India's Lok Sabha speaker, foreign secy to attend BNP govt’s swearing-in Tuesday

India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead a delegation to Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (17 February).

Birla will be accompanied by India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the event, according to a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Bangladesh had invited the heads of government of at least 13 countries, including India, China and Pakistan, to attend the ceremony.

Interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus extended the invitations.

With regards to the invitation, India's foreign ministry issued a statement, which reads, "Shri Om Birla, Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by HE Mr Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, in Dhaka on 17 February 2026."

It added, "The speaker's participation at this important event showcases the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations."

"As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people," the statement further added.

Indian PM Modi is unable to attend the ceremony as he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day, PTI reported today citing people familiar with the matter.

The decision to invite the leaders of 13 countries including India 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.

Meanwhile, 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.