Tarique Rahman takes oath as Bangladesh Prime Minister after BNP’s landslide win in 2026 elections, marking a historic political transition.
Rahman’s party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), achieved a commanding victory in the February 12 elections. (Photo: X/PTI)
Tarique Rahman took the oath as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday, days after his party secured a sweeping mandate in the 2026 general elections. The ceremony marks a major turning point in the country’s politics after years of tension, protests, and an interim government.
Rahman’s rise to the top post is historic. He becomes Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 36 years, ending a long period during which female leaders dominated national politics.
STORY | Tarique Rahman sworn in as new Prime Minister of Bangladesh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, days after leading his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered… pic.twitter.com/ifjxd8oMTM
Rahman’s party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), achieved a commanding victory in the February 12 elections. Preliminary figures show the BNP won a two-thirds majority in parliament, clearing the way for a strong and stable government.
The elections came after a political crisis that led to the departure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus.
Observers and party leaders described the polls as a "festive, fair, and acceptable election." The results signaled a major political comeback for the BNP after nearly two decades out of power.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Complex in Dhaka. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath in the presence of senior political leaders, diplomats, and foreign observers.
Crowds gathered in large numbers around Manik Mia Avenue to witness the ceremony. Reports indicate that supporters from different parts of the country arrived in Dhaka hours before the event. By mid-afternoon, the area turned into a sea of BNP flags and slogans as citizens celebrated the party’s return to power.
According to reports, seventeen ministers and twenty-four state ministers in the new cabinet are first-time office holders. In a personal milestone, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also "becoming a member of the cabinet for the first time," having never held public office during his party's previous tenures.
The inclusion of several new faces signals an attempt to reshape governance and present a fresh start to voters.
The BNP has long claimed that it was a "victim of oppression and torture" over the past fifteen years. The party’s landslide win reflects strong public support and a desire for change.
Rahman now faces the challenge of stabilising the economy, restoring public trust, and strengthening democratic institutions. Analysts say his government must focus on governance reforms, foreign policy balance, and economic growth to meet public expectations.
The 2026 elections mark a defining moment in Bangladesh’s political journey. With a strong parliamentary majority and renewed public mandate, Tarique Rahman begins his term amid high hopes and significant responsibility.
