If you’ve been keeping an eye on Bangladesh, one of those days that actually feels historic without the usual hype. Tarique Rahman just got sworn in as Prime Minister right there in Dhaka, out in the open at the South Plaza of parliament – no stuffy indoor thing, just under the sky, live on TV for everyone. President Mohammed Shahabuddin did the honors, and Rahman said the words we all know: he’d faithfully do the job according to the law. Simple, no drama, but you could tell it meant something big.
They brought in the whole cabinet too – 25 full ministers, 24 state ministers, 49 in total. Strong lineup for what’s basically a super-majority government. His BNP and allies took 212 seats in the February 12 elections – that’s more than two-thirds in the 300-seat parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led side got about 77. Turnout was around 60%, solid for a country coming off all that mess.
This was the first proper election since the 2024 student uprising basically forced Sheikh Hasina out after years of what felt like locked-down politics. People were exhausted – economy hurting, garment jobs shaky, trust in institutions shot.
Tarique’s return in December, right after his mom Khaleda Zia’s death, seemed to flip the switch. The guy was in London exile for 17 years, dodging charges, staying low-key. Now at 60, he’s back leading, first male PM in over three decades since his mom and Hasina dominated the scene.
Walking around or chatting with folks online, there’s this mix of relief and real caution. Hope that things settle – fix the economy, bring back jobs, stop the endless fighting. But yeah, not everyone’s on board.
Jamaat and the National Citizen Party boycotted the ceremony, protesting parts of how it all went. Old rivalries don’t vanish overnight.
Still, for a lot of Bangladeshis, this feels like breathing room after chaos. Tarique’s carrying that Zia family name, but today’s about him stepping up, promising stability and reform. Whether he delivers – on corruption, growth, keeping everyone included – that’s the real test starting now.
Crazy how fast things change. From exile to PM in months. Fingers crossed this new chapter sticks and actually helps people get on with life.
Sources:
Al Jazeera
Reuters
The Guardian
Dawn
PBS News
BBC
The Hindu
