SG News Desk | Dhaka — Bangladesh’s newly elected Members of Parliament were sworn in on Tuesday morning (February 17, 2026) by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, marking the country’s most significant political transition in years.
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as Prime Minister, becoming the first male PM in decades.
The BNP secured a sweeping victory in the general election held alongside a nationwide referendum on constitutional reforms.
BNP Sworn In as MPs — But Reject Second Oath for Constitution Reform Commission
Although BNP MPs took their official parliamentary oath, the party declined to take a second oath as members of the proposed “Constitution Reform Commission” — a body linked to the referendum held on February 12, 2026, where over 60% voted “yes.”
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated:
“We have not been elected as members of the Constitution Reform Council; no such provision exists yet in the Constitution.”
He confirmed the BNP will not participate in the second oath-taking process, which the Election Commission intended to administer today.
The move sparked immediate tension with Jamaat-e-Islami, whose MPs insist the second oath is mandatory.
Jamaat deputy chief Abdullah Mohammad Taher declared:
“We will take no oath unless BNP MPs take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Parliament without reforms is meaningless.”
Why the Oath Controversy Matters
A possible interpretation of the referendum outcome suggests the entire Parliament may function as a Constitution Reform Commission for 180 days, but many newly elected MPs say they were not informed beforehand.
The lack of clarity has raised concerns about:
- the legal basis for the council,
- how MPs will balance regular legislative duties with reform tasks,
- whether the EC overstepped its mandate.
Tarique Rahman to Become First Male PM in Decades
Tarique Rahman, son of former President Gen. Ziaur Rahman and former PM Khaleda Zia (who passed away in December 2025), will take office later today.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath at 4 p.m.
BNP won 209 of 297 seats, marking the first general election since the fall of Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Yunus Bids Farewell; Calls for Safeguarding Democracy
Outgoing Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus delivered his farewell address on Monday evening, saying:
“We must ensure fascism never again raises its head in Bangladesh.”
He highlighted the July Charter, a major reform roadmap backed by multiple parties and endorsed through the referendum.
Major Foreign Delegations Arrive
Around 1,200 guests are attending the ceremony. Confirmed dignitaries include:
- Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan
- Om Birla, Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha (representing India after PM Modi declined the invite)
- Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Planning Minister
- Bala Nanda Sharma, Nepal’s Foreign Minister
- Nalinda Jayatissa, Sri Lanka’s Health Minister
PM Modi conveyed his regrets due to overlapping engagements, including President Macron’s visit to Mumbai and the AI Summit in Delhi.