DHAKA – President Mohammad Shahabuddin today summoned first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on March 12. “The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will be held at 11am on March 12 at the Parliament Complex at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka,” said an official release of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

The President, also the head of the state, convened the session exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, the release said. Before commencing the House proceedings on the day, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is likely to hold a meeting to fix the duration and agendas of the session.

DHAKA – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit China and conveyed warm congratulations and greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The Chinese envoy extended the invitation when he paid a call on the premier at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here at 12.30pm today.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir disclosed this while briefing the journalists at the Secretariat after the meeting. Replying to a question, he said that the tour schedule was not discussed during the meeting.

“The Prime Minister currently has many important domestic priority tasks. When he will begins his foreign tour after completing the domestic affairs, this invitation from China will be considered with great importance,” Humayun added.

The foreign affairs adviser said that the Chinese government has recognized the huge mandate that newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman got with a two-thirds majority. The Chinese Ambassador mainly came to congratulate the new government formed through the spontaneous participation of the people of Bangladesh in the election, Humayun added.

Stating that “the relationship between Bangladesh and China is historical”, he said, “This strong relationship began during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Over the years, China has been a very important and strong development partner of Bangladesh”.

The development work that has taken place between Bangladesh and China in recent years, Humayun said, the current government wants to move it further forward. Noting that today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador was just a courtesy call, he said there was no discussion on any specific issues.

But the both sides made courteous commitments on how to take bilateral relations to a new height and how to further strengthen development activities while protecting the interests of the people of both countries, Humayun added.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement marking the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day. The Head of the State paid homage by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital at one minute past midnight tonight.

President Shahabuddin reached the Central Shaheed Minar four minutes before the zero hour. On his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar, the President was received by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.

The President proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar in slow pace while playing the historic immortal song on the Amar Ekushey “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February . . . Ami Ki Vulitey Pari ?” The President stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Heroes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking the great Martyrs’ Day and the International Mother Language Day. He paid homage by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city at 12:08 am today. The premier arrived on the Shaheed Minar premises 12.04am.

He proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar in slow pace while playing the historic immortal song on the Amar Ekushey “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February . . . Ami Ki Bhulite Pari?”

After placing the wreath, Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Movement heroes. On the occasion, special prayer was offered seeking forgiveness for the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, 1971 Liberation War, 1990 Anti-autocracy Movement and 2024 July Uprising.

Special prayer was also offered seeking divine blessings for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The prayer also sought welfare for the country and success for the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Later, flanked by cabinet members and BNP Standing Committee members, the premier placed two wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of his cabinet and the party.

The Prime Minister also placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar along with his family members. Before the premier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city at one minute past midnight tonight.

Later, Chief Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan paid homage to the Language Movement martyrs. Besides, opposition party leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman along with 11-party alliance leaders also paid tribute to the Language Movement martyrs by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar.

The ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, acting Attorney General, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), University Grants Commission (UGC), Fire Service and Civil Defence, Dhaka University (DU) authorities, Bangladesh Police, Bangla Academy, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) were among others who paid tributes to the Language Movement martyrs.

Later, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public when hundreds of people from all walks of life walked barefoot with flowers in hands and humming “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” to recall the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day in 1952.

Reaffirming deeper bilateral engagement British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his election victory, pledging to further strengthen the longstanding UK–Bangladesh partnership across key sectors. In a congratulatory letter, Keir Starmer conveyed his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman on his election victory and assumption of office.

The British premier reiterated that the United Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in different areas including trade and investment, climate action, migration, defence collaboration and humanitarian assistance.

He also underscored continued support for Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting and assisting displaced members of the Rohingya community on humanitarian grounds.  The UK premier hoped enduring ties between the two friendly nations and shared resolve to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in the years ahead.

US President Donald J. Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his historic election victory, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence and regional stability. In a letter dated February 18, 2026, from the White House, President Trump conveyed his greetings to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on your historic election and wish you a successful term as Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” he wrote.

Highlighting the foundation of bilateral relations, Trump said, “The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper.”

Referring to economic cooperation, he wrote, “As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries.”

The US President also underscored defence collaboration, stating, “I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defense agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment – the best in the world!”

Expressing confidence in future engagement, Trump said, “I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before.”

He added, “My Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”

Concluding the message, the US President wrote, “Good luck to you in the days ahead!”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his inauguration, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Bangladesh’s new government. In a congratulatory message sent on Tuesday, Premier Li Qiang conveyed his
warm wishes to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming office. Li said China and Bangladesh are close neighbours and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partners enjoying long-standing friendship, noting that friendly exchanges between the two countries date back decades.

He recalled that over the 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Beijing and Dhaka have consistently respected each other, treated one another as equals and pursued mutually beneficial cooperation and win-winoutcomes, setting what he described as a fine example of state-to-state relations.

The Chinese Premier reaffirmed that his government supports the new Bangladeshi administration in ensuring smooth governance and national development. Expressing readiness to work closely with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Li said he looks forward to carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two nations, strengthening high-quality cooperation under the Belt and
Road Initiative and expanding exchanges across various sectors.

He voiced confidence that joint efforts would elevate the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, elder son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, today formed the government with a 49-member cabinet as he took oath as the prime minister for his first time. The cabinet members include 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office and oath of secrecy to Tarique Rahman and his new ministers at the open space of the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex at 4:00 pm. After the swearing-in, Tarique Rahman signed the oath of office and oath of secrecy.

The 25 ministers are: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khoshru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Abu Jafar Md Zahid Hossain, Dr Khalilur Rahman (Technocrat), Abdul Awal Mintoo, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Zahir Uddin Swapon, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid (Technocrat), Afroza Khanam Rita, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Asadul Habib Dulu, Md Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Taher, Dipen Dewan, ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Sarder Md Sakhawat Hossain, Fakir Mahbub Anam, and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

The 24 state ministers are-M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Md Shariful Alam, Shama Obaed Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Farhad Hossain Azad, Md Aminul Haq (technocrat), Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Habibur Rashid, Md Rajib Ahsan, Md Abdul Bari, Mir Shahe Alam, Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, widely known as Zonayed Saki, Ishraque Hossain, Farzana Sharmin, Shaikh Faridul Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Yasser Khan Chowdhury, M Iqbal Hossain, MA Muhith, Ahammad Sohel Manjur, Bobby Hajjaj and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition in the Bangladesh history, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government was held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex instead of Bangabhaban, the Presidential palace.

Diplomatic sources said the leaders of different countries including President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha (parliament) Speaker Om Birla, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, among others, attended the ceremony.

Besides, guests present at the jam-packed glittering South Plaza of Bangladesh Parliament Complex included: Chief Justice, outgoing Chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and his council of advisers of the interim government, Chief Election Commissioner, Judges of the Supreme Court, MPs, political leaders, chiefs of the three services, members of diplomatic corps, senior journalists, and high civil and military officials.

Tarique Rahman’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other family members were present at the function.

Clad in black-suit with stripe and white shirt Tarique Rahman was looking very confident and lively at the South Plaza gathering. The historic venue was overflowing with about 1200 invited guests, while many of them were seen standing there also.

New Prime Minister as the Head of the Government was given a standing ovation when he entered the place of oath-taking ceremony.

Minutes later President Shahabuddin entered the venue where the Prime Minister took oath at 4.00 pm.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the holy Quran.

Tarique Rahman took oath first pledging to preserve, protect and defend the national constitution and the state sovereignty.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani conducted the oath-taking ceremony.

On February 12, the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls coincided with the referendum was held in 299 seats. The BNP attained a resounding victory bagging 209 seats with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.

Their one-time ally Jamaat-e-Islami will now play their role as the main opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad with 68 seats.

Other parties and independent candidates have won the remaining seats.

Earlier, people had assembled in processions from different parts of the capital, chanting slogans hailing Tarique Rahman, the leader of the young.

Tanvir Hasan: After securing a sweeping majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is preparing to form the new government. The government has already published the official gazette listing the elected members of parliament. According to Article 148 of the Constitution, elected representatives must take oath within three days of the publication of the official results. The elected members of the 13th National Parliamentary Election will take their oaths on Tuesday, and the cabinet will also take their oaths later that day. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule at a press briefing on Saturday.

Party sources say Tarique Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister after the government is formed. Alongside experienced politicians, the party plans to assign key responsibilities to younger and highly educated leaders. A blend of senior and new leadership is expected in important ministries such as Home Affairs, Law, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.

Several BNP policymakers have indicated that the cabinet will not be overly large. It is expected to consist of between 32 and 42 members. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has already begun consultations with senior leaders regarding the formation of the cabinet. However, the allocation of specific ministries will be known only after the oath ceremony.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation will need to wait a little longer to see the final shape of the cabinet.

For the post of Foreign Minister, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir is being discussed, given his active role in strengthening the party’s international relations. Dr Reza Kibria is being considered for the position of Finance Minister. He previously served as a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is being considered for the Commerce Ministry, a position he held in the past. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is being discussed for the Local Government Ministry. He previously served as State Minister for Agriculture and later for Civil Aviation and Tourism.

Former Attorney General and senior Supreme Court lawyer Md Asaduzzaman is being mentioned for the Law Ministry. Salahuddin Ahmed is also in discussion for the Home Ministry, while Mirza Abbas is being considered for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.

Dr AZM Zahid Hossain is likely to take charge of the Health Ministry, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is being discussed for the Information Ministry. Other names reportedly under consideration include Nazrul Islam Khan, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Mizanur Rahman Minu and Shama Obayed, among others.

There is also speculation that the presidency may see a change after the new government is formed. Senior Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is being discussed for the post. However, if Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is nominated for president, a major reshuffle in the cabinet could follow.

Other figures being discussed include Ashrafuddin Nizam, Zonayed Saki, Ishraq Hossain, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Anindya Islam Amit, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Osman Faruque, Bobby Hajjaj, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Nayab Yusuf, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Barrister Farzana Sharmeen Putul, Nurul Haq Nur, Naoshad Zamir, Mir Helal, Asadul Habib Dulu, Ali Asghar Lobby, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, and Md Shariful Alam.

Ultimately, the final composition of the cabinet will depend on the decision of the party’s Standing Committee and Chairperson Tarique Rahman. As Prime Minister, he may revise the final list at any time, according to party insiders. The newly elected MPs will be sworn in Tuesday morning by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, while President Md Sahabuddin will administer the oath to the cabinet members in the afternoon.

Under the Constitution, the President will appoint as Prime Minister the parliamentary leader of the party that secures a majority in the National Parliament. As per convention, after the elected members are sworn in at the Parliament Secretariat, both the ruling party and the opposition will hold separate meetings to elect their parliamentary leaders.

The elected parliamentary leader of the majority party or alliance will then pay a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. During that meeting, the President will formally invite the leader to form the government.

Following this invitation, the Prime Minister-designate will submit the names of ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers to the President. The President will immediately forward the list to the Cabinet Division, which will complete preparations for the oath ceremony at the earliest possible time.

The Cabinet Secretary will personally call each designated cabinet member, inviting them to attend the oath ceremony at Bangabhaban. Official vehicles will also be sent to their residences. Sources said the Cabinet Division has already collected the names and personal phone numbers of the newly elected MPs. New folders and flags have been procured for the oath ceremony, and official vehicles have been made ready for the incoming cabinet members.

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of parliament will take place on Tuesday. Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moul confirmed the date on Saturday. Another official said the new government may take oath the same day. Buoyed by a decisive mandate, the BNP is set to return to power after two decades.

Emerging from 17 years of self-imposed exile in the UK, Tarique Rahman has led the party to an absolute majority in a historic election — the first in Bangladesh held without the Awami League, which was barred from contesting in the aftermath of the 2024 Uprising. Parliamentary polls were held on Thursday across 299 constituencies, with results declared in 297 seats.

The BNP emerged dominant, winning 209 seats. Its former ally, the Jamaat-e-Islami, secured 68 seats, positioning itself as the principal opposition force in the new parliament. Late on Friday night, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed published the official gazette naming the 297 elected lawmakers.

Even as the formalities move forward, uncertainty persists over who will administer the oath to the newly elected MPs, as the speaker of the outgoing parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, remains out of public view. Amid the discussion, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said on Saturday that, under the Constitution, the president will administer the oath of office to the cabinet.

Speaking to reporters at his Secretariat office earlier in the day, he said that in the absence of a speaker or deputy speaker, the chief justice or the chief election commissioner is also constitutionally empowered to swear in members of parliament.

Following the parliamentary elections in 2024, Shirin Sharmin assumed office as speaker when the Awami League formed the government. She is now facing cases. The then deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, who is also a suspect in multiple cases, is currently in jail, creating a procedural complication over the administration of oaths for the new MPs. Asked about the timeline, the cabinet secretary said the gazette notification had already been issued and that, under the law, lawmakers must take their oaths within three days.

“That three-day period will begin tomorrow and [MPs] must take oath by the 17th [of February],” he said.

He added that once the oath process is completed, the parties represented in parliament will select their respective parliamentary leaders. The leader chosen by the majority will then formally inform the president that he commands the confidence of the majority of members.