A pivotal moment unfolded in Bangladesh on Tuesday as Tarique Rahman, the nation’s prime minister-to-be, along with newly elected lawmakers, officially took their oaths of office. This ceremony marks a significant turning point, ushering in the first elected representatives since a devastating uprising rocked the country in 2024.
For 18 months, Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million, has been guided by an interim government following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Now, the stage is set for a fresh start, with Rahman poised to lead the country forward.
A Formal Beginning
The Chief Election Commissioner, AMM Nasir Uddin, administered the oath to the dedicated lawmakers, who pledged their unwavering loyalty to Bangladesh. Following this crucial step, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmakers are expected to formally elect Rahman as their leader. Later on Tuesday afternoon, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will officially administer the oath of office to the new Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers, solidifying the transition of power.
A Mandate for Change
Tarique Rahman, 60, and the dynamic chief of the BNP, secured a resounding victory in the February 12 elections. His win was not just a political triumph but, as he articulated in his Saturday victory speech, a victory for the nation itself.
"This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy," Rahman declared. "This victory belongs to people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy."
However, Rahman was quick to temper the celebrations with a dose of reality, acknowledging the substantial challenges that lie ahead, particularly concerning the economy of the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
"We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by the authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation," he warned.
Rahman has pledged to tackle these issues head-on, aiming to restore stability and revive economic growth after months of turmoil that dampened investor confidence. He also issued a powerful call for national unity, urging all parties to "remain united" in a country often polarized by years of intense political rivalry.
From Exile to Leadership
Rahman’s ascent to leadership is particularly notable given his return to Bangladesh in December, following 17 years of exile in Britain. His return invigorated the BNP, which, alongside its coalition partners, clinched 212 seats in parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats, with Jamaat itself seeing a four-fold increase in its parliamentary presence, securing over a quarter of the seats. Despite challenging results in 32 constituencies, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman, 67, affirmed his party’s commitment to serve as a "vigilant, principled, and peaceful opposition."
The Road Ahead
Notably absent from the elections was Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, which was barred from participating. Hasina, 78, currently in hiding in India and sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, issued a statement branding the election "illegal."
Internationally, India praised the BNP’s "decisive win," signaling a potential shift in previously strained bilateral ties. Domestically, the new parliament shows a glimpse of diversity, with seven women directly elected (and a further 50 seats reserved), and four members from minority communities, including two Hindus, securing seats.
Despite weeks of pre-election turbulence, voting day itself passed without major unrest, and the nation has largely reacted to the results with a sense of calm. As Crisis Group analyst Thomas Kean wisely observed:
"If the BNP can do a good job with the economy, it will make everything else easier for the government. It will help to create a level of stability to tackle the many other challenges beyond the economy."
With Tarique Rahman and the new parliament now officially sworn in, Bangladesh embarks on a fresh chapter, filled with both immense hope and significant hurdles. The coming months will be crucial in determining the path forward for this vibrant nation.
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