Prof Yunus invites Modi to BNP’s swearing-in ceremony

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s incoming government, following BNP’s landslide victory in the parliamentary elections.

A diplomatic source in New Delhi confirmed to United News of Bangladesh that the invitation has been received. “Yes, we have received the invitation from Prof Yunus. We are still working on the details of representation from the government of India,” the source said on Sunday.

However, Prime Minister Modi’s schedule appears tight. India will host the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from the 16th to the 20th of this month. Around 20 heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are expected to attend.

Another Delhi-based source indicated that Prime Minister Modi is unlikely to travel to Dhaka during that period, though a representative from India is expected to attend the ceremony.

The swearing-in of the new cabinet is scheduled for 4pm on Tuesday at the South Plaza of Parliament. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath.

BNP secured a decisive mandate in the polls, defeating an alliance led by Jamaat-NCP. Indian Prime Minister Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate BNP chief Tarique Rahman.

In a statement following a phone conversation with Rahman, Modi described the result as a “remarkable victory” and conveyed his support for fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, progress and prosperity for both countries, highlighting their shared historical and cultural ties.

Through a separate message posted on his X account, Modi said the electoral outcome reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Rahman’s leadership. He also expressed his intention to work closely with the new government to strengthen bilateral relations and advance common development goals.

Diplomatic engagement is expected to continue in the coming days. Om Birla and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri are likely to visit Dhaka, although an official announcement has yet to be made.

China will also be represented at the ceremony. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen is set to attend.

With regional capitals watching closely, the focus now shifts to Tuesday’s ceremony, which will formally usher in Bangladesh’s new administration under a renewed political mandate.