📰 Historic political shift
Bangladesh has entered a new political era after Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister following a landslide election victory. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to power after nearly two decades out of government, marking one of the most dramatic political transitions in the nation’s modern history.
The oath ceremony took place at the South Plaza of the national parliament in Dhaka, breaking long-standing tradition of holding the ceremony at the presidential residence. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman and his cabinet.
🗳️ Landslide election victory
Rahman’s rise follows a sweeping election win:
BNP won over two-thirds majority in parliament.
The party secured 212 seats in the 350-member parliament.
An opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won around 77 seats.
This election was especially significant because it was the first national vote after the 2024 mass uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
The country had since been run by an interim caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, tasked with stabilizing the country and overseeing the transition back to democratic rule.
👤 Who is Tarique Rahman?
Rahman is one of the most influential and controversial figures in Bangladeshi politics.
Key background:
Son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
Son of former President Ziaur Rahman
Leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
Returned to Bangladesh in late 2025 after 17 years in exile in London
His return reshaped the political landscape and energized BNP supporters ahead of the election.
🔚 End of an era: “Battle of the Begums”
For decades, Bangladesh politics was dominated by the rivalry between two powerful women:
Sheikh Hasina (Awami League)
Khaleda Zia (BNP)
With Hasina now in exile and Zia deceased, analysts say Rahman’s rise ends this historic rivalry, sometimes called the “Battle of the Begums.”
This marks the country’s first male prime minister in 35 years.
⚠️ Controversies and tensions
Despite the decisive victory, the political situation remains sensitive:
The Awami League was barred from contesting the election.
Former PM Sheikh Hasina, now in exile, has criticized the election and called it unjust.
Some opposition figures are demanding the restoration of democratic participation.
These tensions suggest the new government faces a deeply divided political landscape.
🏛️ New government and cabinet
Rahman was sworn in alongside a 49-member cabinet, including:
Veteran BNP leaders
Technocrats and policy experts
His first official day included meetings with cabinet members and government officials to begin policy planning.
📉 Challenges facing the new PM
The new government inherits major challenges:
💰 Economy
Inflation and job creation
Investor confidence shaken by unrest
Need to revive key industries
⚖️ Governance & institutions
Calls to restore democratic institutions
Law and order concerns after political turmoil
🌏 Foreign relations
Global powers are closely watching Bangladesh’s:
Relations with India
Role in South Asian geopolitics
🌍 Why this matters globally
Rahman’s rise represents:
A major democratic transition after political unrest
A reshaping of South Asian geopolitics
A potential reset of Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic direction
Analysts say the next few months will determine whether the new government can deliver stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation.