Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister After Landslide Victory
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the latest Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following his party’s decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The 60-year-old Rahman is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated President Ziaur Rahman.
Swearing-In Ceremony and Transition
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Rahman at the National Parliament building in Dhaka. The ceremony marked a significant political shift for the South Asian nation. Rahman’s inauguration follows the conclusion of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who oversaw the election process. The swearing-in broke with tradition by being held under the open sky at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, rather than at the presidential residence.
Challenges Facing the New Government
Rahman takes office amidst pressing challenges, including the need to restore political stability, rebuild investor confidence, and revitalize key industries, particularly the garment sector. These issues stem from prolonged turmoil following a Gen Z-led uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. The BNP secured a commanding two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, winning 212 out of 350 seats.
Political Context and Opposition
An 11-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami secured 77 seats and will form the opposition. Rahman called for unity among all parties despite years of political polarization. The Bangladesh Awami League, led by Hasina, was barred from contesting the election. Hasina, currently in exile in India, has claimed the election was unfair to her party and faces a death sentence in Bangladesh related to events during the 2024 uprising.
Background of Tarique Rahman
Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP, and Khaleda Zia, who later became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. He served as the party’s interim chairman since his mother’s imprisonment in 2018. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after more than 17 years in voluntary exile. He had been living in London since 2008, facing several criminal cases, some of which were overturned after Hasina’s removal from power in 2024.
Past Controversies and Apology
Rahman’s career has been marked by accusations of corruption and abuse of power. A 2006 U.S. Embassy diplomatic cable described him as a figure who “inspired a few, but unsettled many,” and even labeled him as “a symbol of kleptocratic rule and violent politics.” He was arrested on corruption charges in 2007 and alleged he was tortured while in detention. He has consistently denied all charges, claiming they were politically motivated. Rahman offered an apology for any “unwanted mistakes” made in the past.
Cabinet Formation
Rahman has formed a 49-member cabinet, comprising 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. The cabinet members were sworn in alongside the Prime Minister at the National Parliament complex.
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