Dhaka, Feb 16 (V7N) — The Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected government in person, diplomatic sources confirmed on Sunday. However, several regional leaders, including the President of the Maldives and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, are scheduled to travel to Dhaka for the event.

Diplomatic sources said that the new government, led by Tarique Rahman, is set to take office on Tuesday, February 17.

New Delhi has formally informed Dhaka that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be unable to attend the ceremony. India will instead be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is also expected to accompany the delegation.

Among the confirmed attendees is Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, along with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The outgoing Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, extended invitations to heads of state and government from 13 countries, including the Maldives.

Although invited, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will not attend the ceremony. Pakistan is expected to be represented by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was initially considered but is currently on an official visit to Europe.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma has also confirmed participation in the ceremony.

Bangladesh has invited the top leadership of all SAARC member states except Afghanistan, as well as leaders from China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia and Brunei. However, confirmations from several countries are still pending.

A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the guest list includes heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers from various countries. Several dignitaries have already confirmed their attendance, and further confirmations are expected by Monday, February 16.

END/AJ/SMA/