Newly elected members of Bangladesh parliament are set to take oath on February 17, Dhaka Tribune reported on Saturday. The cabinet members are scheduled to be sworn in later the same day, the report said, citing Election Commission secretary Akhtar Ahmed.The 13th parliamentary election took place on February 12, with polling conducted in 299 of the country’s 300 constituencies. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerged dominant, securing 209 seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. The National Citizens Party (NCP), a member of the 11-party alliance, captured six seats, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, contesting under the same coalition, won two.Earlier, in his first address to the nation post victory in polls, BNP chief Tarique Rahman talked about “Bangladesh First” policy when it comes to the foreign relations with its neighbours. “We have cleared ourselves regarding the foreign policy which is in the interest of Bangladesh, and the interest of the Bangladeshi people comes first. By protecting the interest of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people, we will decide our foreign policy,” he said.He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be invited for the swearing-in.His return to Bangladesh signals a major realignment in Dhaka’s political landscape. After spending 17 years in exile, the 60-year-old leader is set to assume the prime minister’s office following the BNP’s sweeping electoral victory.His ascent is likely to reshape India-Bangladesh ties, which had strengthened during Sheikh Hasina’s rule but experienced friction after her removal. Rahman has indicated a practical, measured stance toward New Delhi, underscoring the need for “mutual respect and understanding” in bilateral engagement.Several core issues are expected to define the next phase of relations: border management, allegations of illegal migration and insurgent activity across frontiers; the sharing of transboundary river waters, particularly the Teesta and Padma; the safety of Hindus and other minorities amid recent incidents; and economic cooperation, including prospects for expanded trade and investment.
