Om Birla Meets Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman, Invites Him to India

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying India’s greetings following the formation of the new government and signalling continuity in bilateral engagement between the two neighbouring countries.

The courtesy meeting took place shortly after the swearing-in of the new administration in Bangladesh. During the interaction, Birla invited Rahman to visit India, a gesture viewed as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties and maintain momentum in bilateral cooperation following the political transition in Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said the two leaders exchanged greetings on behalf of their governments and expressed optimism about working together for the welfare of citizens in both nations. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to people-centric cooperation and regional stability.

Birla travelled to Dhaka to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, marking the return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power after the recent political transition. He later shared images from the ceremony and reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic, progressive and inclusive development.

The transition in Bangladesh has drawn regional attention, with the interim administration extending invitations to leaders and representatives from multiple countries to attend the ceremony. The outreach reflected Dhaka’s intent to strengthen diplomatic engagement across South Asia, West Asia and Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony but was unable to travel due to prior bilateral engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Officials said the meeting between Birla and Rahman underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining stable and constructive relations. India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural and economic ties, with cooperation spanning trade, connectivity, security and development initiatives.

The BNP-led alliance secured a majority in the recent elections, paving the way for the new government to assume office. Observers note that continuity in India-Bangladesh engagement remains crucial for regional cooperation, cross-border connectivity projects and economic partnerships.

Analysts say the invitation extended to Rahman signals New Delhi’s readiness to work closely with the new administration and sustain strong bilateral relations.

As Bangladesh begins a new political chapter, diplomatic outreach and high-level engagements are expected to play a key role in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing shared development goals.