Rahman sworn in as new PM of Bangladesh

BNP leader Tarique Rahman was on Tuesday sworn in as Bangladesh’s new prime minister, marking a new beginning for the country after 18 months of political uncertainty and lawlessness witnessed under the rule of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza instead of Bangabhaban, in a departure from a long-standing tradition.
“I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of prime minister of the government in accordance with the law,” said Rahman, who led his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections.
Rahman became the prime minister for the first time. He replaced interim government chief Yunus, who took charge in August 2024 after the collapse of the Awami League regime.
Rahman, the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former premier Khaleda Zia, returned home in December after living in London in self-exile for 17 years. He will serve as the prime minister for the next five years.
Earlier in the day, Rahman was elected as leader of the parliamentary party by the BNP lawmakers.
President Shahabuddin also administered the oath to 25 ministers and 24 state ministers at the ceremony, attended by several leaders from neighbouring countries.
Of the 25 ministers, nine had served in Khaleda Zia’s cabinets.