Why PM Modi is not attending Tarique Rahman's oath ceremony in Bangladesh

After the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party received a resounding victory at the country's parliamentary polls, it was announced that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be representing India in the oath ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government.

It was revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited for the ceremony, but he would be skipping the event due to prior reported commitments with the AI Summit in New Delhi and hosting French President Emmanuel Macaron.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Speaker's participation at the event "underscores the deep and enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations."

The BNP had invited leaders of various countries, PTI reported on Saturday, after the party's electoral win. Bangladesh's new cabinet to take oath on February 17, the date Prime Minister Modi will be attending bilateral talks with President Macaron in Mumbai.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new cabinet of Tarique Rahman on Tuesday at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza in Dhaka, a deviation from the tradition of the being held at the presidential palace.

"We have been informed that the President will administer the oath of office (to the new cabinet) on Tuesday at the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) complex," a Bangabhaban (presidential palace) official said on the condition of anonymity, PTI reported on Saturday.

In a phone conversation with Tarique Rahman on Friday, Modi congratulated the leader on his party's remarkable victory in the Bangladesh polls.

"I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," Modi said after the call.

"As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," he added.

As per recent reports, Prime Minister Modi’s government is likely to extend an invitation to Tarique Rahman for an early visit to India, shortly after the BNP helms the governance of Bangladesh.