Newly elected Bangladesh lawmakers have been sworn into parliament, marking a pivotal moment for the nation after the political upheaval that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in . The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory in the recent elections, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to assume the office of prime minister.
The swearing-in ceremony took place inside the parliament’s oath room, where lawmakers pledged their loyalty to Bangladesh. The Chief Election Commissioner, AMM Nasir Uddin, oversaw the proceedings. The presence of foreign dignitaries, including the Pakistani foreign minister and the speaker of India’s parliament, underscored the international significance of the transition.
Tarique Rahman is expected to be sworn in as prime minister later on , formally establishing the BNP-led government. The party’s commanding majority – securing at least 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament – provides a strong mandate for its agenda.
The shift in power follows nearly two years of political instability, triggered by student-led protests in that ultimately forced Sheikh Hasina from office and into exile in India. The interim government that followed has now yielded to the democratically elected BNP.
Hundreds of citizens gathered outside the parliament grounds throughout the day, anticipating the formalization of the new government. “People really want changes. They want to see new faces in parliament: People with good qualifications, even people who are younger,” said Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Dhaka. “You’ll see a lot of new faces, and that’s what’s expected: They want new dynamics in parliament.”
The BNP’s victory was bolstered by significant support from the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which won 77 seats. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was banned from participating in the polls, a factor that undoubtedly shaped the election outcome.
Rahman’s immediate task will be to implement the July National Charter, a comprehensive set of reforms approved by over 60 percent of the electorate in a referendum held alongside the elections. The charter proposes fundamental changes to Bangladesh’s governance structure, including term limits for officeholders, the establishment of a two-chamber parliament, and restrictions on the governing party’s ability to unilaterally amend the constitution.
The sweeping nature of the charter reflects a widespread desire for political renewal, particularly among younger voters who were instrumental in the protests that led to Hasina’s removal. “Lots of fundamental and primary change is expected by the population, particularly the younger population who were behind the July uprising,” Chowdhury noted. “They want to be represented in this parliament, and their voices must be heard.”
The transition of power also raises questions about the future of Sheikh Hasina, who remains in exile in India. The BNP has reportedly appealed to India to extradite Hasina, a move that could significantly strain relations between the two countries. According to reports, the BNP views Hasina’s extradition as a matter of justice and accountability.
The international community is closely watching Bangladesh as it embarks on this new chapter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has already congratulated Tarique Rahman on his “decisive victory” and expressed a willingness to collaborate on shared development goals. This gesture suggests a desire to maintain constructive relations despite the change in leadership and the sensitive issue of Sheikh Hasina’s status.
Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after a self-imposed exile lasting nearly two decades marks a remarkable reversal of fortune. He assumes leadership at a critical juncture, facing the challenge of rebuilding a fragile economy and addressing the aspirations of a population demanding greater democratic participation and good governance. The success of his administration will depend on his ability to navigate these complex challenges and deliver on the promises of change that resonated with voters during the recent election.
The swearing-in of cabinet members is scheduled for later in the day, further solidifying the composition of the new government. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the BNP begins to implement its policies and address the pressing issues facing Bangladesh.
