India has announced that Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, will represent the country at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Bangladesh government on February 17, 2026, in Bangladesh. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs ahead of the event in Dhaka.
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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Represent India at Bangladesh
The ceremony will mark the inauguration of Tarique Rahman as the prime minister-designate of Bangladesh following his party’s decisive victory in the national elections. India’s decision to send the Lok Sabha Speaker underlines the importance New Delhi attaches to its longstanding relationship with Dhaka.
Narendra Modi was invited to attend the ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to attend the ceremony, but he is unlikely to travel to Dhaka due to engagements in Mumbai, including hosting French President Emmanuel Macron.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials are expected to accompany Om Birla as part of India’s delegation to the event. Officials say the high-level representation reflects deep and enduring ties rooted in shared history, culture and democratic values between the two neighbouring countries.
Bangladesh had invited leaders from around the region to the inauguration, and several nations are expected to be present, signalling renewed diplomatic engagement in South Asia following recent political developments.
Diplomatic observers note that sending Om Birla as India’s representative is a significant protocol choice, as the Speaker holds one of the highest constitutional offices in the country. Such representation is often interpreted as a gesture of respect and goodwill, particularly when bilateral ties are stable and cooperation spans trade, connectivity, and regional security.
Officials indicated that India’s participation in the ceremony reflects New Delhi’s intent to maintain continuity in relations with Bangladesh, regardless of political transitions. Over the years, both countries have strengthened collaboration in areas such as border management, power sharing, infrastructure projects, and cultural exchanges, making Dhaka one of India’s key regional partners.
