Timeline
February 14, 2026 — February 22, 2026
World
Timeline: How Tarique Rahman Went From 17-Year Exile to Bangladesh Prime Minister in 9 Days
After 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman led his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in Bangladesh's first elections since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. This timeline tracks the nine-day period from election victory to his swearing-in as Bangladesh's 11th Prime Minister, marking a dramatic political comeback and the first time three members of the same family have led the nation.
10 events · 9 days · 29 source articles
Thu, Feb 12, 2026
Major
BNP Wins Landslide Victory in Historic Elections
Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a decisive two-thirds majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, winning over 209 seats out of 297. The election, held 18 months after mass protests ousted Sheikh Hasina, was the first free and fair vote in nearly 20 years and was endorsed by international observers including the EU as credible with no fraud or rigging found.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Jamaat-e-Islami Concedes Defeat, Clearing Path for Rahman
Bangladesh's largest Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami conceded defeat and accepted the overall election outcome despite earlier alleging problems with the vote count. This cleared the way for Rahman to become prime minister. The party's alliance won 68-77 seats compared to BNP's commanding majority.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Rahman Dedicates Victory to Democracy Protesters
In his first speech since the election, Prime Minister-designate Rahman stated 'This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy' and dedicated the win to those who 'sacrificed for democracy.' He called for national unity after the first polls since the deadly 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Moderate
Rahman Reaches Out to Opposition Leaders
Two days before his swearing-in ceremony, Rahman made reconciliatory gestures by visiting Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam. He urged opposition parties to work with the incoming BNP government in the interest of the country, signaling an inclusive approach despite his party's strong majority.
Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Moderate
India Invited to Swearing-In Ceremony Amid Strained Relations
Bangladesh invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Rahman's swearing-in ceremony, a gesture analysts described as potentially helping to steady relations after months of strain between the neighbors. While Modi declined due to prior commitments, India sent Om Birla, speaker of the lower house of parliament, signaling New Delhi's interest in maintaining diplomatic channels. Leaders from 13 countries were invited including China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Moderate
Rahman Sends Message Against 'Politics of Vengeance'
Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Rahman sent a strong message emphasizing there would be 'no room for politics of vengeance' in his administration. This marked a departure from Bangladesh's traditional political culture where victory often meant annihilation of opponents and defeat meant persecution, signaling a potential shift in the country's political approach.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh's 11th Prime Minister
Rahman, 60, was sworn in as Prime Minister by President Mohammed Shahabuddin in a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the parliament building instead of the traditional presidential residence. He became the first male prime minister in 35 years and the third member of his family to lead Bangladesh, following his assassinated father President Ziaur Rahman and late mother Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. A 49-member cabinet was also sworn in.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Student Protest Leaders Named to Cabinet
Rahman's cabinet included two prominent figures from the 2024 student uprising: Nurul Haque Nur and Zonayed Saki. Neither belongs to the BNP, marking a significant political gesture toward the protest movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina. The move was seen as Rahman betting on 'student firebrands' and bringing the street movement into formal governance structures.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
Business Leaders Dominate New Cabinet Composition
Analysis revealed that approximately 70% of ministers in the new BNP-led government come from business backgrounds, with 35 out of 50 cabinet ministers and state ministers declaring business as their profession. This raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest and the growing influence of wealthy entrepreneurs in national politics, with lawyers forming the second-largest professional group.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
New Government Faces Economic and Institutional Challenges
Analysts noted that Rahman assumed office amid unprecedented challenges including economic fragility with declining foreign exchange reserves since 2022, persistent inflation, and institutional erosion following years of autocratic rule. The 'Dark Prince' faces what observers called a 'Mandela moment' - an opportunity to redefine Bangladesh's political character away from cycles of bitterness and revenge toward democratic renewal and good governance.
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