Bangladesh names new prime minister to end period of political instability
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new prime minister of Bangladesh, restoring an elected government after 18 months of interim rule following the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
The 60-year-old leader, who hails from a prominent political dynasty, led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) back to power after two decades. The BNP secured an overwhelming majority in last week’s election, winning 212 of the 300 seats in parliament.
Rahman’s administration faces immediate and severe challenges, including a slowing economy, high inflation, and the need for job creation. He has also pledged to tackle widespread corruption and revitalize the country’s vital garment industry, which has seen growth weaken significantly.
In foreign policy, Rahman said he intends to maintain close economic ties with China while strengthening links with Western nations. He also signaled a desire to reset relations with neighboring India.
The election also saw the emergence of a new youth-led party, which secured six seats in parliament.
Saigon Sentinel Analysis
Tarique Rahman’s inauguration marks a potential pivot for Bangladesh, yet the new administration faces a path fraught with structural hurdles. Public expectations for a "fresh start" are set to collide with the harsh realities of governing a nation hamstrung by a protracted economic crisis and entrenched systemic corruption. For the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the primary challenge lies not only in fiscal stabilization but in the wholesale reconstruction of state institutions eroded by years of Sheikh Hasina’s centralized rule. Voters have already signaled an unequivocal mandate for governance reform, specifically backing a two-term limit for the premiership and a restoration of judicial independence.
On the geopolitical front, Dhaka is attempting a high-stakes balancing act. The administration’s pragmatic foreign policy seeks to frame China as a primary "development partner" while simultaneously pursuing a strategic "reset" with India and the West. New Delhi, which views Bangladesh as a cornerstone of its regional security architecture, underscored the relationship’s importance by dispatching a high-level delegation to the inauguration. Meanwhile, Western capitals are expected to condition future bilateral depth on tangible progress toward democratic benchmarks and human rights protections.
The domestic political landscape also features a new variable: the youth-led National Citizen’s Party. While the bloc holds only six seats, its presence signals a shift in parliamentary dynamics. As a vocal minority, they are poised to serve as a crucial watchdog, ensuring the new government remains tethered to the reformist promises that catalyzed the recent political transition. For Rahman, navigating these internal demands for transparency while managing external diplomatic pressures will define the early success of his tenure.