Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, marking a dramatic political comeback and a new chapter in the country’s post-uprising era.
Rahman’s rise to power follows a decisive victory for the BNP in nationwide elections held on February 12 — the first general polls since the 2024 mass uprising that led to the removal of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
According to official results, the BNP secured more than 151 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad on its own. With support from allied parties, the ruling alliance’s total strength rose to 212 seats, giving Rahman a commanding parliamentary majority and a clear mandate to form the government.
Earlier in the day, Rahman and newly elected members of parliament took their oaths of office in a ceremony overseen by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Lawmakers pledged allegiance to the constitution and the sovereignty of Bangladesh, becoming the first elected representatives since the political upheaval reshaped the country’s leadership structure.
Rahman’s swearing-in is widely seen as a historic moment, not only because of the BNP’s return to power but also due to his personal political journey. The son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Rahman spent 17 years in exile before returning to Bangladesh to spearhead his party’s election campaign.
His comeback campaign focused heavily on democratic reforms, economic recovery, and restoring political stability after years of turbulence. Analysts say the overwhelming parliamentary majority gives the new prime minister significant leverage to implement his policy agenda, though he will also face pressure to deliver swift governance reforms and ensure political reconciliation.
The February 12 elections were closely watched both domestically and internationally, as they marked the country’s first democratic exercise following the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid widespread protests. Observers described voter turnout as strong, reflecting public eagerness to move forward after a prolonged period of uncertainty.
As Rahman assumes office, attention now turns to the formation of his cabinet and the government’s immediate priorities, including economic stabilization, institutional reforms, and rebuilding investor confidence. The coming months are expected to be crucial in determining how effectively the new administration consolidates power and addresses the expectations of a politically energized electorate.
With a solid majority in parliament and renewed political legitimacy, Tarique Rahman begins his tenure at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.
