Tariq Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh after his party secured a landslide victory in last week's election.
Foreign news agencies reported that Tariq Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took the oath as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026 GMT+7. This marks a significant political change since the student uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Rahman, aged 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated. He assumed office following his party's overwhelming victory in last week's parliamentary elections.
However, he now faces urgent challenges including restoring political stability, rebuilding investor confidence, and reviving key industries like textiles after the unrest during the 2024 uprising, which led to the country being governed by a caretaker administration.
To mark a new era for the country, the outdoor swearing-in ceremony was held at the South Plaza of the parliamentary building instead of at Bangabhaban, the presidential residence.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin presided over the ceremony, where Rahman and 49 cabinet ministers took their oaths before political dignitaries, diplomats, civil and military officials, as well as representatives from countries including China, India, and Pakistan.
The new government comprises both senior and newer ministers, reflecting efforts to balance political experience with technical expertise as it focuses on economic recovery, law and order, and governance reforms.
Amir Kasru Mahmud Chowdhury, former Minister of Commerce, was appointed Minister of Finance, while Khalilur Rahman, who served as National Security Advisor in the caretaker government, was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Rahman's BNP secured a two-thirds majority, returning to power after nearly two decades. The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting for the first time since its ban was lifted following Sheikh Hasina's fall, won 68 parliamentary seats.
Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party was barred from participating in the election after the Election Commission revoked its registration.
Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies, including the National People's Congress (NCP) led by youth activists who played a key role in the movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina, will serve as the opposition.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cna