South Asian leaders to attend Tarique Rahman swearing-in

DHAKA, Feb 17 (BSS/APP) : Senior leaders and high-level representatives from South Asian countries will join the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected government led by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman today, signalling strong regional engagement with Dhaka’s new administration.
The swearing-in ceremony, to be held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital, drew prominent dignitaries from neighbouring nations, reflecting Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the region and underscoring expectations of continued cooperation under the new government.
Maldives
President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day to attend the ceremony. He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Adviser M Touhid Hossain. 
His presence reflected the close and friendly bilateral relations between Dhaka and Malé and highlighted the Maldives’ interest in strengthening ties with the new administration, said the Maldivian high commission here. 
Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay will attend the ceremony at the invitation of the Government of Bangladesh. 
A statement from the Bhutanese Embassy said his visit demonstrated Bhutan’s continued support and longstanding friendship with Bangladesh, marked by mutual trust and respect. The visit is seen as a reaffirmation of strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries, it added. 
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary will represent Islamabad at the ceremony. 
He was received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka. His visit highlighted Pakistan’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties, the Pakistan High Commission here said.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma also arrived in Dhaka to attend the ceremony. 
He was welcomed at the airport by Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari, reflecting the cordial and longstanding relations between the two nations.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa will represent Colombo at the swearing-in ceremony. His participation reflected the friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said.
The presence of regional leaders and senior representatives at the ceremony underscored South Asia’s collective interest in Bangladesh’s political transition and signalled readiness to deepen cooperation with the government led by Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman.