13 foreign leaders invited to new Bangladesh govt's oath ceremony

The heads of government of at least 13 countries, including China, India and Pakistan, have been invited to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh's new government. 

A top official of the interim government confirmed the matter last night (14 February), reports Prothom Alo.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the National Parliament on Tuesday (17 February), when the new cabinet led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take office.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus extended the invitations.

Reportedly, the decision to invite the leaders of 13 countries was taken following discussions between the interim government and the policy-making leadership of the BNP, which won the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Diplomatic sources said the countries invited so far are China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath to the newly elected MPs at 10am and President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the cabinet members at 4pm at the South Plaza of Parliament.

However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the swearing-in ceremony, according to media reports.

PTI yesterday reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day.

India may send a senior government representative to attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Samakal reports that preparations for the induction of the new cabinet have been finalised. According to the Cabinet Division and the Directorate of Government Accommodation, both official transport and ministerial housing are prepared for the incoming ministers.