On February 16, 2026, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal departed for Dhaka to represent the nation at the high-profile oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, marks a pivotal moment in South Asian politics following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory in the recent general elections. Minister Iqbal was designated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is unable to attend due to a scheduled official visit to Austria.
The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan’s high-level participation underscores its commitment to the “democratic process” and the strengthening of brotherly, multifaceted ties. The ceremony will depart from tradition, moving from the presidential palace to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) to accommodate over 1,000 guests, including regional leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The day will begin with newly elected MPs taking their oaths at 10:00 AM, followed by the official swearing-in of the Prime Minister and his small initial cabinet at 4:00 PM.
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Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, will attend the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the newly elected Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 16, 2026
Tarique Rahman, the son of former leaders Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, returns to power after 17 years in exile. During his visit, Minister Iqbal is expected to meet with senior Bangladeshi officials to explore new avenues for collaboration in the development and trade sectors.
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