The oath of office was administered to the 60-year-old Rahman by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the South Plaza, a departure from the traditional venue of Bangabhaban. Rahman, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman, returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. This marks his first term as prime minister.
Rahman’s ascension follows the February 12 general elections, in which the BNP secured 209 of 297 seats, and Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. The Awami League did not contest the polls. The elections were held after widespread student-led protests in August 2024 led to the collapse of the Awami League government, creating a period of political instability and uncertainty.
