In a clear signal of Bangladesh’s return to the international democratic fold, the interim government has extended formal invitations to the heads of government from 13 nations to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet. Led by Tarique Rahman, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the new administration is set to take the oath of office this coming Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The decision to invite a broad spectrum of regional and global powers was reached following high-level consultations between the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and the senior leadership of the BNP. The move is seen as a strategic effort to reset Bangladesh’s foreign relations after a period of significant domestic upheaval.
A Distinguished Guest List
Diplomatic sources confirmed on Saturday night that the invitations span across South Asia, the Middle East, and South East Asia. The inclusion of both India and Pakistan on the list is particularly noteworthy, reflecting the new government’s desire to maintain a balanced and “people-centric” foreign policy.
The 13 countries officially invited to send their heads of government or high-level representatives are:
| Region | Invited Countries |
| South Asia | India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan |
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar |
| East & SE Asia | China, Malaysia, Brunei |
| Eurasia | Turkey |
Historic Venue and Schedule
Breaking with the tradition of holding such ceremonies at the presidential palace (Bangabhaban), the inauguration will take place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House). This shift to a more public and symbolic venue is intended to celebrate the “restoration of democracy” following the landslide victory of the BNP-led alliance in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on 12 February.
The day’s proceedings are scheduled as follows:
Morning: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will administer the oath to the newly elected Members of Parliament.
Afternoon: President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the Prime Minister-elect, Tarique Rahman, and his initial Cabinet members.
Geopolitical Implications
The invitations come shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both held congratulatory telephone conversations with Tarique Rahman. While Mr Modi has a prior engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day, New Delhi is expected to send a high-ranking representative, such as the Vice President or the External Affairs Minister, to signal continued cooperation.
By hosting leaders from China, the Arab world, and its immediate neighbours simultaneously, the incoming Rahman administration aims to showcase a “National Government” that prioritises economic recovery and regional stability.