ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received an invitation to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the incoming Bangladesh prime minister, the Foreign Office confirmed, though Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will not attend due to a prior engagement.
According to officials, the invitation arrived from Dhaka ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. However, the Foreign Office said Shehbaz Sharif is already on an official visit to Austria and therefore cannot travel to Bangladesh for the event.
A spokesperson noted that a decision regarding Pakistan’s representation will be announced later. Islamabad is expected to designate an alternative delegate in the coming days.
Regional leaders adjust representation plans
Sources indicated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also skip the ceremony. Instead, the speaker of India’s lower house is set to attend as New Delhi’s representative.
The ceremony follows a closely watched election that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape and drew regional attention. South Asian capitals are now signalling diplomatic outreach through varied levels of representation.
BNP leader outlines post-election priorities
Following the victory, Tarique Rahman, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, addressed a press conference and framed the outcome as a win for democracy. He said the results marked the restoration of an accountable parliament and government.
Rahman pledged to improve law and order nationwide and called for unity to prevent any return to authoritarian rule. While acknowledging differences in opinion, he stressed that national unity remains essential in safeguarding democratic gains and strengthening governance.
