February 17, 2026, marks a historic day for Bangladesh as the country prepares for the swearing-in of Tariq Rahman, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as Prime Minister. This event is significant as it is the first time in nearly 35 years that a male is taking the office of Prime Minister. The ceremony, which deviates from tradition, will take place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), instead of the customary Bangabhaban. The newly elected MPs of the 13th National Parliament took their oaths at the South Plaza, in a ceremony overseen by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin. With robust security measures in place, over 1,000 local and foreign guests are expected to attend the event. This shift to a male Prime Minister and a new governance era indicates a significant political change in Bangladesh, reflecting public sentiment after decades under female leadership. In addition, the BNP has convened a parliamentary committee meeting at the Parliament House at 11:30 AM to elect its parliamentary leader. As the party holding the majority, the BNP is positioned to solidify Tariq Rahman's leadership as Prime Minister, a move anticipated to bring various implications for national policies and governance in Bangladesh post this historic appointment.