Dhaka, Feb 17, 2026 — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally resumed state power after nearly two decades, as party Chairperson Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister following a commanding electoral victory in the 13th parliamentary elections.
The BNP secured 209 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, enabling it to form a single-party government. The outcome signals a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Tarique Rahman succeeds interim administration chief Muhammad Yunus, who took office on August 8, 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government amid a mass student-led uprising.
Swearing-In Ceremony at Parliament
The oath-taking programme was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Newly elected Members of Parliament were sworn in during the morning session, while the Prime Minister and cabinet members took oath later in the afternoon.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to lawmakers. President Mohammed Shahabuddin conducted the swearing-in of the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers.
The ceremony drew foreign dignitaries, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, judges, political leaders and members of civil society.
Cabinet Composition Announced
The newly formed cabinet includes senior BNP figures and technocrats entrusted with key portfolios such as finance, home affairs, foreign affairs, commerce, energy, agriculture, environment, law, information, and local government.
Several state ministers were also appointed across ministries including land, power and energy, foreign affairs, youth and sports, labour and employment, education, health, public administration, disaster management, road transport, shipping and others.
Opposition Leadership Finalised
In the newly constituted parliament, Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been designated as Leader of the Opposition.
His party colleague Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher was named Deputy Opposition Leader. Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has been appointed Opposition Chief Whip.
The decisions were taken at a parliamentary party meeting following the oath ceremony.
BNP Declines Oath for Reform Council
While BNP lawmakers completed their constitutional oath as Members of Parliament, they declined to take an additional oath linked to the proposed Constitution Reform Council.
Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party considers the council to lack formal constitutional recognition at this stage.
According to BNP leaders, their objections are based on three main concerns:
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The Constitution Reform Council is not currently recognised under the constitutional oath framework.
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A separate reform oath may conflict with their commitment to uphold and defend the existing Constitution.
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Any reform mechanism, they argue, must be established through parliamentary debate and legislation rather than through an administrative process.
The party maintains that it remains open to constitutional reform discussions once proper legislative procedures are followed.
Reform Council Debate Continues
Earlier, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Ali Riaz indicated that the Implementation Order 2025 envisages the formation of a Constitution Reform Council tasked with incorporating reform proposals into the Constitution within 180 days of its formation.
However, the BNP’s refusal to join the council at this stage introduces a fresh political debate at the start of the new administration.
With the transfer of authority now complete, the BNP government begins its tenure amid expectations of governance reforms, economic management challenges and potential constitutional restructuring, as Bangladesh enters a new political chapter.
🔗 Read More » to see the list of ministers and state ministers: https://thereporter24.com/news/bnp-back-in-office-after-two-decades-as-tarique-rahman-assumes-premiership
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