Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh after BNP's landslide victory

Guwahati: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the country’s prime minister on Tuesday, signalling a major political shift in the South Asian nation following his party’s decisive parliamentary election win.

Rahman, 60, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated President Ziaur Rahman, assumes office amid pressing challenges—political instability, rebuilding investor confidence, and reviving key sectors like the garment industry, which have been disrupted in the wake of the Gen Z-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.

During the transitional period leading up to the elections, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus oversaw the country.

Breaking with tradition, the swearing in ceremony was held outdoors at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the national parliament, rather than at the presidential residence, Bangabhaban. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oaths to Rahman and his cabinet in the presence of senior political leaders, diplomats, civil and military officials, and representatives from countries including China, India, and Pakistan.

The BNP secured a commanding two thirds majority, returning to power after nearly two decades. The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting its first election since a 2013 ban was lifted post-Hasina’s ouster, captured a record 68 seats. Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting after its registration was revoked by the Election Commission. Jamaat and its allies, including the National Citizen Party, led by youth activists who played a key role in the uprising, will serve as the opposition.

Rahman’s rise marks the culmination of a long and turbulent political journey. He returned from a 17-year self-imposed exile in London last year, shortly before his mother’s passing. While critics have long cited corruption allegations against him — which he denies, his return invigorated BNP supporters and reshaped the party’s campaign.

In his first post-election statement, Rahman called for calm and restraint: “Peace, law and order must be maintained at any cost.” He urged supporters to avoid retaliation, warning: “We will not tolerate any kind of chaos.”