DHAKA – Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as the prime minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday morning, following his Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) victory in the recent national parliamentary election. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday morning, will be followed by the formation of a new government, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
The incoming parliament will simultaneously undertake a unique constitutional role. According to the Election Commission of Bangladesh, all newly elected Members of Parliament will also serve as members of a “Constitution Reform Commission” for a period of 180 days. This follows a referendum held on February 12, 2026, which saw a majority vote in favor of constitutional reform. The dual role has reportedly caused some disquiet among newly elected MPs, particularly those from the BNP, as the practical implications of balancing parliamentary duties with the tasks of the Commission remain unclear.
The inauguration is expected to be attended by approximately 1,200 local and international guests. Confirmed attendees include Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, and Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, representing India, after Prime Minister Modi declined an invitation extended by outgoing Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Nepal’s interim Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, and Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa are also expected to be present.
Rahman, the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been the chairman of the BNP since January 9, 2026. He previously served as the party’s acting chairman from February 2018, following his mother’s imprisonment until her death. He secured a seat in the Jatiya Sangsad representing Dhaka-17 in the recent election. He was designated as prime minister-designate on February 17, 2026, succeeding Muhammad Yunus, who served as Chief Advisor during the interim period.
The formation of the Constitution Reform Commission comes as a surprise to many new MPs, raising questions about the interplay between the Commission’s mandate and the regular functioning of parliament. The process by which these two roles will be reconciled remains undefined.
