Rahman Raj begins in Bangladesh, Coronation of Tariq Rahman today, invitation to Pakistan and BNP’s changed stand on India

News India Live, Digital Desk: After a landslide victory in the general elections held in Bangladesh, Tariq Rahman will take oath as Prime Minister today (17 February 2026). Heads of 13 countries have been invited to this grand ceremony to be held in the ‘South Plaza’ of Jatiya Sansad Bhavan in Dhaka. This invitation received by both India and Pakistan is being seen as a new diplomatic balance in South Asia. Who will attend from India’s side? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Tariq Rehman for the victory, but he himself is not attending the ceremony. India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Diplomatic experts believe that this step is an attempt to normalize relations under the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, while some hesitation still remains on the issue of Sheikh Hasina. Invitation to Pakistan: A new equation? Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also been invited for the event. Historically, relations with Pakistan have remained strong during the tenure of BNP. Recently, discussions about opening of Direct Sea Link between Dhaka and Karachi and cooperation in the defense sector have increased Delhi’s concerns. What is BNP’s stance on India? Before and after the elections, BNP has changed its tone regarding India. “Friendship with all, no enmity with anyone”: The party has made it clear that its foreign policy will be based on national interests. Hasina issue: BNP leader Humayun. Kabir has said that now the ball is in India’s court to accept the changed political reality. However, the demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition still remains a major sticking point. Balanced relations: Tariq Rehman has indicated that he wants balanced relations with India, China and the US rather than being inclined towards any one country. Highlights of the oath taking ceremony: Venue: South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan. Guests: More than 1200 special guests, including Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay Security: Tight security arrangements have been made across Dhaka, especially in view of possible protests by the ‘Awami League’.