Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister Tariq Rahman may soon go on his first non-official foreign trip. However, contrary to tradition, his first foreign visit is likely to be to Saudi Arabia rather than India. According to sources close to the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leadership, Tariq Rahman may leave for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah in Mecca. However, in recent statements, Tariq Rehman has also indicated about maintaining positive and close relations with India. Tariq Rahman’s possible visit to Saudi Arabia is not only a religious event but also an opportunity to understand the signals of Bangladesh’s new foreign policy. Earlier, according to the report of Arab News, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia had come to meet PM Tariq Rehman on Sunday (22 February 2026).
India has expressed its desire to hold talks with the new government of Bangladesh. Indian High Commissioner Prannoy Verma said on Sunday (22 February 2026) that New Delhi is keen to take forward mutual cooperation with Dhaka for the times to come. After meeting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Verma said, ‘We are keen to take forward the dialogue with the new government of Bangladesh.’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid was also present in this meeting. The High Commissioner described this meeting as a courtesy call. He said that this was his first meeting with the External Affairs Minister and the Minister of State after the formation of the new government. Verma also said that India wants to strengthen cooperation in all fields on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.
BNP returns to power in Bangladesh after 17 years
BNP chairperson and coalition government head Tariq Rehman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17. He returned to Bangladesh on 25 December 2025 after 17 years of exile. In the general elections held on February 12, the BNP alliance led by Tariq Rahman had defeated the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance by a huge margin. Now the eyes of regional diplomacy are fixed on his first foreign trip and the direction of India-Bangladesh relations.
