Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister Tariq Rahman may soon go on his first non-official foreign trip. However, contrary to tradition, his first foreign visit is likely to be to Saudi Arabia rather than India. According to sources close to the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leadership, Tariq Rahman may leave for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah in Mecca. However, in recent statements, Tariq Rehman has also indicated about maintaining positive and close relations with India. Tariq Rahman’s possible visit to Saudi Arabia is not only a religious event but also an opportunity to understand the signals of Bangladesh’s new foreign policy. Earlier, according to the report of Arab News, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia had come to meet PM Tariq Rehman on Sunday (22 February 2026).

India has expressed its desire to hold talks with the new government of Bangladesh. Indian High Commissioner Prannoy Verma said on Sunday (22 February 2026) that New Delhi is keen to take forward mutual cooperation with Dhaka for the times to come. After meeting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Verma said, ‘We are keen to take forward the dialogue with the new government of Bangladesh.’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid was also present in this meeting. The High Commissioner described this meeting as a courtesy call. He said that this was his first meeting with the External Affairs Minister and the Minister of State after the formation of the new government. Verma also said that India wants to strengthen cooperation in all fields on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

BNP returns to power in Bangladesh after 17 years

BNP chairperson and coalition government head Tariq Rehman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17. He returned to Bangladesh on 25 December 2025 after 17 years of exile. In the general elections held on February 12, the BNP alliance led by Tariq Rahman had defeated the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance by a huge margin. Now the eyes of regional diplomacy are fixed on his first foreign trip and the direction of India-Bangladesh relations.

After winning a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tariq Rahman has been crowned today i.e. on 17th February. President Mohammad Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Tariq Rehman as PM. With the ‘Dark Prince’ becoming the Prime Minister, a new chapter has started in the politics of Bangladesh. This is the first time after 35 years that a man is taking command of Bangladesh.

‘Rahman era’ begins in Bangladesh

On February 17, the elected MPs took oath at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan in Dhaka. After the swearing-in, a parliamentary party meeting of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) was held, in which Tariq Rahman was formally elected as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He will take over power in Bangladesh from the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. The interim government ruled the country for about 18 months after the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Rehman will take over power

On February 17, the elected MPs took oath at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan in Dhaka. After the swearing-in, a parliamentary party meeting of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) was held, in which Tariq Rahman was formally elected as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He will take over power in Bangladesh from the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. The interim government ruled the country for about 18 months after the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Swearing in ceremony took place in Parliament House

The swearing-in ceremony of the Tariq Rahman-led BNP government in Bangladesh was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka on Tuesday (February 17). About 1,200 dignitaries from Bangladesh and abroad attended the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government. India had also received an invitation to the swearing-in of the new government of Bangladesh, in which Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended and congratulated Tariq Rahman on becoming the Prime Minister.
Signs of strong relationship with India

There was some tension in the relations between India and Bangladesh during the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, but with the victory of Tariq Rahman, relations between the two countries are likely to be back on track. PM Modi had called Tariq Rehman and wished him victory and expressed his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.