Dhaka

Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new government, as the BNP prepares to return to power.

Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Milan said invitations to regional leaders would be a matter of diplomatic courtesy. “I do not know the exact arrangements, but I hope everyone will be invited. He should be invited as a matter of courtesy. The organisers will decide. We hope the whole world will stand with us,” he said.

He reiterated the party’s foreign policy approach, stating that the BNP believes in maintaining “friendship with all and malice toward none.”

BNP Set to Form Government

The BNP is poised to form the next government after securing a decisive victory in the 13th National Parliament elections held on February 12. According to the latest figures released by the Election Commission of Bangladesh, results for 297 seats have been declared.

BNP candidates have won 209 seats, with their nominees leading in two constituencies where results remain suspended. Together with allied parties, the BNP-led bloc has secured 212 seats.

In comparison, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, while its alliance partners secured an additional nine, bringing the Jamaat-led grouping to 77 seats.

The daily Prothom Alo reported that the gazette notification for the elected Members of Parliament has already been issued, clearing the way for government formation.

Swearing-In Preparations Underway

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister, in line with the party’s earlier announcement.

The oath-taking ceremony is expected within the next three to four days and will be held at Bangabhaban, where the President will administer the oath as per constitutional procedure.

Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said preparations have been finalised and the administration is ready to host the ceremony at short notice. Arrangements are reportedly in place to accommodate around 1,000 guests.

Diplomatic Outreach from India

The developments follow a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke with Tarique Rahman after the election results were announced. Modi conveyed his best wishes and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, describing the two nations as close neighbours with deep historical and cultural links.

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With the transition process underway, attention is now focused on the formation of the new cabinet and the future direction of Bangladesh’s domestic and foreign policy.