ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has departed for Dhaka to represent Pakistan at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected prime minister, scheduled for February 17.
According to official sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif designated Mr Iqbal to attend the ceremony due to prior foreign engagements. The Government of Bangladesh had formally invited the prime minister to the high-profile event marking a key political transition in the country.
Before leaving for Dhaka, Mr Iqbal said the visit would help reinforce bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the engagement would open new avenues of cooperation in political, economic and development sectors, adding that both countries shared common goals of stability and prosperity.
The oath-taking follows a decisive outcome in Bangladesh’s 13th general elections, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, paving the way for the formation of a new government.
In a break from tradition, the ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the National Assembly complex in Dhaka instead of Bangabhaban, the official presidential residence.
The proceedings will take place in two phases. Newly elected members of parliament will first take oath under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Nasir Uddin. Later, President Mohammad Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the incoming prime minister and cabinet members, formally ushering in the new leadership.
Officials said Mr Iqbal is also expected to hold meetings with senior Bangladeshi leaders during his stay.
