Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Tarique invites Modi to swearing-in ceremony and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Dhaka has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of incoming premier Tarique Rahman.
Diplomatic sources in the neighbouring countries said on Saturday night that invitations have been extended to leaders of regional countries as part of the new government’s first major diplomatic outreach.
The new government and lawmakers will take oath on Feb 17 in Dhaka.
The sources said the invitations were sent by the interim government head Muhammad Yunus.
Earlier, Indian news channel WION had reported — citing Humayun Kabir, Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs advisor — that Dhaka was planning to invite the Indian prime minister to the ceremony.
Noting that regional diplomacy would be a priority under a Tarique-led administration, he was quoted as saying: “The region is important to us. An important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [is] making this region an influential region.”
“[There is a] sense of priority in sending out invitations for the inauguration. The time frame is short, but the gesture is there.”
Kabir suggested that a BNP government would pursue what he described as a “balanced” regional approach.
“We also believe a certain political vision for the region can be set out,” he told WION.
Pointing to multilateral platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Kabir said Bangladesh believed it was possible to establish a coherent political vision for the region through such forums.
WION reported that the move comes in the aftermath of the BNP’s sweeping electoral victory, signalling an attempt to ease tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi that have persisted since the fall of the Awami League government.
Hindustan Times, however, reported that Modi is unlikely to travel to Dhaka on Feb 17 due to a prior commitment in Mumbai, where he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron is set to visit India next week to attend the AI Impact Summit, with his trip beginning in Mumbai, according to the newspaper.
Citing Indian government sources, Hindustan Times reported that India may instead be represented at the swearing-in ceremony by a senior leader, possibly the vice-president or the external affairs minister.
The report added that while resetting relations with Bangladesh — after ties hit a fresh low in recent months — remains a priority for New Delhi, India does not wish to project an image of rushing into a rapprochement.
“There is also the question of optics,” one source told the newspaper, referring to the possibility of Modi sharing the stage with the prime minister of Pakistan, who is also expected to be invited to the event.
Bangladesh is likely to invite leaders of most SAARC member states — an organisation initiated by Tarique’s father, former president Ziaur Rahman — alongside heads of state or government from several friendly countries, including China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Tarique has said his government’s foreign policy would be anchored in the interests of the people of Bangladesh and would not be centred on any single country.
Modi has already congratulated Tarique on his election victory, reaffirming India’s support for a “democratic and progressive” Bangladesh.
In their first phone call on Friday, Modi told Tarique that he looked forward to working with the BNP leader to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared development goals.
Tarique, 60, is set to become Bangladesh’s first male head of government in 35 years, following the BNP’s landslide victory in the general election.