Tarique Rahman has officially taken the oath as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a significant shift in regional politics. He took his official oath on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This historic ceremony took place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) complex in Dhaka. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath in front of over 1,200 guests, including foreign dignitaries like India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. By taking this oath, he has ended nearly two decades of his party being out of power and signalled a fresh start for the nation’s diplomacy.
Following the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the nation is entering a fresh era of governance. Tarique Rahman wasted no time in addressing international relations, particularly with neighboring India. His first major diplomatic action involves a move to ease travel and strengthen ties between the two countries.
The latest news confirms that Tarique Rahman has ordered the resumption of full visa services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. This facility had been partially suspended during the previous interim administration due to rising tensions. By reopening these services, he is sending a clear signal that he values the strategic and economic partnership with India. This decision allows Indian citizens to once again apply for tourist, medical, and business visas without the recent restrictions.
Tarique Rahman and the Vision for Bilateral Ties
Tarique Rahman is championing a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy that emphasizes mutual respect and equality. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government aims to move away from past dependencies and focus on economic cooperation. He believes that a stable relationship with India is vital for regional security. Transitioning from years of political distance, he is now seeking to build a rapport based on shared development goals.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already extended a warm invitation to Tarique Rahman to visit Delhi. This gesture indicates that both nations are ready to turn a new leaf. Tarique Rahman has expressed his commitment to protecting all citizens, including marginalized groups, within Bangladesh. This inclusive stance is a cornerstone of the new administration’s approach to winning trust both at home and abroad.
Strengthening the Border with Tarique Rahman’s Policies
Tarique Rahman recognizes that the 54 transboundary rivers and the long shared border require constant dialogue. To facilitate better people-to-people contact, Tarique Rahman has also announced the opening of a new Bangladesh visa center in Silchar, Assam. These practical steps show that Tarique Rahman is moving beyond rhetoric to implement real change. He wants to ensure that trade and travel remain uninterrupted by political shifts.
Tarique Rahman and the Message of Unity for All Religions
Tarique Rahman used his historic first address to the nation to deliver a powerful message of inclusion and safety. In this televised speech, Tarique Rahman declared that the new Bangladesh belongs to every citizen, regardless of their faith. He stated, “Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity—this country belongs to all of us.” This big promise aims to reassure the millions of marginalized groups who have felt vulnerable during the recent years of political upheaval.
Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government has vowed a “zero tolerance” policy against mob violence. He emphasized that the rule of law, not political influence, will be the final word in governing the state. Tarique Rahman specifically reached out to the Hindu community, promising that their places of worship and homes would be protected. This inclusive vision is seen as a necessary step to stabilize the country and attract international investment.
Reflecting on the Struggles Under the Interim Government
Tarique Rahman inherited a nation that had seen a sharp decline in the safety of its minority populations. During the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the position of Hindus reached a critical point. Reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented 522 communal attacks in 2025 alone. These incidents included tragic killings, temple vandalism, and the looting of businesses.
Critics of the interim administration argue that the lack of a strong political mandate led to a rise in “mob culture.” Between June 2025 and January 2026, it is estimated that 116 people from minority faiths were murdered. This period of lawlessness created a climate of fear that he is now desperately trying to reverse. He is working to show that a democratically elected government can provide the security that an interim setup could not.
A Look Back: The Post-Hasina Era and Deteriorating Ties
The trouble for many began after Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024 following intense student-led riots. The immediate aftermath of her departure saw a massive spike in violence against those perceived as her supporters, which often included the Hindu community. In the first 16 days after she fled, over 2,000 incidents of communal violence were reported across 52 districts.
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Historically, the relationship with India soured as the interim government struggled to contain these attacks. India expressed deep concern as reports of 152 desecrated temples and thousands of homes being attacked surfaced. This chaos fundamentally damaged the trust between Dhaka and Delhi. Now, Tarique Rahman is tasked with rebuilding that trust from the ground up, starting with his firm stance on minority rights and his open-door policy toward India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tarique Rahman leave Bangladesh?
Tarique Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 for the United Kingdom. He was granted bail for medical treatment after being detained during a military-backed caretaker government’s “anti-corruption” drive. He sought medical treatment in London after being released from detention on health grounds. At the time, he faced numerous legal challenges. He remained in London for 17 years in self-imposed exile, leading the BNP from abroad until his return in late 2025.
Which is the BNP party in Bangladesh?
The BNP stands for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. It was founded in 1978 by the late President Ziaur Rahman, the father of Tarique Rahman. Furthermore, the party follows the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism and has historically been one of the two major political forces in the country. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is a major center-right political party. Moreover, it has been the primary rival to the Awami League for decades. Under Tarique Rahman, it has returned to power with a two-thirds majority.
Personal & Political Information: Tarique Rahman
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Tarique Rahman |
| Born | November 20, 1967 (Dhaka, Bangladesh) |
| Parents | Late Ziaur Rahman (Former President) and Late Khaleda Zia (Former PM) |
| Political Party | Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) |
| Role | Chairman of the BNP |
| Current Office | Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Assumed Feb 2026) |
| Political Stance | Pro-sovereignty, Nationalist, and Inclusive Reformist |
| Education | Studied International Relations at the University of Dhaka |
| Notable Achievement | Led the BNP to a landslide victory after nearly 20 years out of power. |
| Family | Married to Dr. Zubaida Rahman; one daughter, Zaima Rahman |
| Exile Period | 2008 – 2025 (Resided in London, UK) |