Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman soon after the formation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, conveying India’s greetings and reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to continued bilateral engagement following the political transition in Dhaka. The meeting took place during Birla’s visit to Bangladesh to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new administration.
During the courtesy interaction, Birla extended an invitation to Rahman to visit India, a gesture viewed as signalling continuity and stability in diplomatic relations despite the change in government. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said the two leaders exchanged greetings on behalf of their respective governments and expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation through a people-centric partnership benefiting citizens of both countries.
Birla later shared that he was pleased to attend the ceremony marking the installation of the new government and reiterated India’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts toward democratic, inclusive and progressive development. His presence at the event reflected India’s intent to maintain constructive engagement with Dhaka during the new political phase.
The BNP-led administration returned to power following the recent transition, with the alliance securing 212 seats in the election, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats, according to the Electoral Commission. The interim government had invited several world leaders to the swearing-in ceremony, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though he was unable to attend due to prior bilateral engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Officials said invitations were extended to leaders from multiple regions, including South Asia, West Asia and Southeast Asia, highlighting Bangladesh’s effort to maintain broad diplomatic outreach as the new government assumes office. The meeting between Birla and Rahman underscored both countries’ intention to sustain cooperation and dialogue during the evolving political landscape.
