Bangladesh’s opposition-turned-governing party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is preparing to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of its leader, Tarique Rahman, following the party’s decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections.
The development was confirmed on Saturday (18 February) in an interview with Indian news outlet WION by Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs adviser to the BNP chairperson.
According to Kabir, the proposed invitation signals a willingness on the part of the incoming administration to reset and strengthen bilateral relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. He noted that South Asia occupies a central place in Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy vision.
“Our region is of paramount importance to us,” Kabir told WION. “A significant component of Mr Rahman’s foreign policy agenda is to transform South Asia into a more influential and cohesive regional bloc. Although time is limited, extending an invitation for the swearing-in ceremony would convey a message of goodwill and constructive engagement.”
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A Diplomatic Gesture with Strategic Implications
The announcement follows a congratulatory telephone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman after the BNP secured an absolute majority in the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament). During the conversation, Modi reportedly reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a democratic and progressive Bangladesh.
Diplomatic observers suggest that a formal invitation to the Indian Prime Minister would carry both symbolic and strategic weight. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometre border — one of the longest land borders in the world — and maintain close cooperation in trade, security, energy and connectivity. Bilateral trade has expanded significantly over the past decade, with India ranking among Bangladesh’s largest trading partners in South Asia.
Regional Cooperation in Focus
Kabir also indicated that the new government intends to pursue a balanced and pragmatic regional policy. In particular, it aims to revitalise multilateral engagement through platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
He stressed that these organisations could be leveraged more effectively to promote trade liberalisation, energy cooperation, climate resilience and cross-border infrastructure development.
Below is a summary of key potential areas of Bangladesh–India cooperation under the incoming administration:
| Area of Cooperation | Current Context | Potential Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade | Steady growth over the past decade | Reduction of non-tariff barriers; enhanced market access |
| Energy Exchange | Cross-border electricity trade ongoing | Expansion of grid connectivity and renewable collaboration |
| Connectivity | Road, rail and inland waterways links operational | Greater regional transit and logistics integration |
| Multilateral Forums | SAARC largely dormant; BIMSTEC active | Renewed diplomatic engagement and project implementation |
A Test of Diplomatic Balance
Analysts argue that the invitation, if formally extended and accepted, could mark an early test of the BNP government’s diplomatic posture. The party has pledged to maintain balanced relations with regional and global partners while prioritising South Asian cooperation.
Whether Prime Minister Modi attends in person will be closely watched in both capitals. Regardless, the gesture itself appears designed to underscore continuity, pragmatism and a desire for constructive bilateral engagement at a potentially pivotal moment in Bangladesh–India relations.