New Delhi/Dhaka (Rajeev Sharma): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new government led by Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17, the government announced on Sunday.
An official statement said Birla’s participation reflects the “deep and enduring friendship” between India and Bangladesh and reaffirms New Delhi’s commitment to democratic processes in the neighbourhood.
Bangladesh had formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the ceremony. However, Modi will be engaged in bilateral talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. He will also attend the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, which is being hosted concurrently in the country.
Officials said representatives from several countries are expected to participate in the ceremony, which will formally mark the beginning of the new government under Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The statement described India and Bangladesh as neighbours bound by shared history, culture and mutual respect. It added that New Delhi welcomed the transition to an elected government in Dhaka following the recent polls.
Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Rahman after the election results. He also spoke to him over the phone and expressed support for efforts aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
