Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, in Dhaka on February 17, 2026. Photo: X/@ihcdhaka via ANI
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) held a courtesy meeting with the Leader of Opposition of Bangladesh and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.
Mr. Misri greeted Mr. Shafiqur Rahman and reaffirmed India’s people-centric ties with Bangladesh. The JeM Ameer, in turn, confirmed how both countries share ‘deep civilisational bonds’ and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations.
“Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri had a courtesy meeting with the leader of opposition of Bangladesh and the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh,” read a post on X by Indian High Commission in Bangladesh
“Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings to Dr. Rahman on his new role and reaffirmed India’s enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by the two countries and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations,” the post further read.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Mr. Birla said that India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.
Mr. Birla called on the Bangladesh Prime Minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He handed over the invitation of PM Modi to newly elected Mr. Tarique Rahman to visit India.
He also met the President of Maldives, Prime Minister of Bhutan and other leaders on the sidelines.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah lauded Mr. Birla’s visit.
In a post on X, he said, “Prime Minister, H E Tarique Rahman, conveys his greetings to India and PM Hon. Narendra Modi to the visiting Lok Sabha Speaker, H E Om Birla, at courtesy meet following swearing-in of the new Government. Hon Speaker conveyed wishes from India & Invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh & India pursuing people-centric menu of cooperation.”
Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique Rahman’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him.
“I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh,” the letter from the PM stated.
Published – February 18, 2026 01:53 am IST
