Foreign dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and foreign ministers from countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh on Tuesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the Speaker Om Birla will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in of the government led by Tarique Rahman. According to the MEA, the Speaker’s participation highlights the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of the two countries and reaffirms India’s commitment to democratic values shared by both neighbours.
The ministry said India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under Rahman’s leadership, noting that his vision has received an overwhelming public mandate. Law adviser of the Interim government, Asif Nazrul, said the cabinet oath ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 pm at the South Plaza of Parliament and will be administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Meanwhile, Rahman paid a courtesy visit to the residence of Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area. The Jamaat chief termed the visit a “historic moment” and expressed hope for cooperation on national issues, while Rahman assured steps to prevent post-election violence and protect opposition activists and minorities. Rahman also met the convener of the National Citizen Party, Nahid Islam.
In a separate development, the interim government cancelled the contractual appointment of press minister Faisal Mahmud at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, months before the end of his tenure.
