Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh's new prime minister on February 17, 2026, following a decisive electoral victory earlier this month. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman and 49 cabinet ministers during a ceremony in Dhaka, marking a pivotal shift in the nation's leadership.
The BNP secured 209 seats in the 350-member parliament during the February 12 general election, according to official results from the Election Commission. This win ends the political vacuum created by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation in August 2024 amid widespread unrest.
Analysts describe this transition as Bangladesh's most significant political realignment in over a decade. The new government faces immediate challenges including economic stabilization and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.
Observers across Asia are closely monitoring the developments, particularly regarding potential impacts on regional trade partnerships and security dynamics in South Asia.
