Tarique Rahman Officially Inaugurated as Prime Minister of Bangladesh
The leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, was officially inaugurated as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, marking a new chapter in the country’s politics following a prolonged period of instability.
Rahman (60) rose to power following a landslide BNP victory in the parliamentary elections. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and President Ziaur Rahman, who was killed in a military coup.
The inauguration took place after a transitional phase led by an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who had governed the country since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024 amid a wave of large-scale youth-led protests.
Open Ceremony and New Cabinet
Breaking with previous tradition, the inauguration was held in the open at the South Plaza of the national parliament building, rather than at Bangabhaban — the official presidential residence. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Rahman and 49 members of his cabinet before senior civilian and military officials, as well as diplomatic representatives from various countries, including China, India, and Pakistan.
The new cabinet combines senior BNP figures with newcomers possessing technocratic backgrounds. The move is seen as an effort to balance political experience with professional expertise to accelerate economic recovery and improve governance.
Former Trade Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was appointed as finance minister, whilst Khalilur Rahman — who previously served as national security adviser in the interim government — was named foreign minister.
Parliamentary Dominance and New Opposition
The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in parliament, ending nearly two decades out of power. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh recorded a significant victory with 68 seats — their first election since the party ban was lifted following Hasina’s ouster.
The Awami League party led by Hasina was barred from participating after its registration was revoked by the Election Commission.
Jamaat and its allies, including the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) led by young activists, are projected to form the main parliamentary opposition. However, both groups boycotted the inauguration ceremony in protest against BNP’s rejection of a proposed additional oath under the Constitutional Reform Council — a body designed to amend the constitution through a referendum held concurrently with the election.