BNP to invite Modi to Tarique's swearing-in: WION

The BNP is planning to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearing-in of party chief Tarique Rahman as prime minister after its landslide victory in the Feb 12 election, reports bdnews24.com

In an interview with Indian news channel WION, Humayun Kabir, foreign policy advisor to BNP chief Tarique, said the invitation would be extended as a gesture of goodwill as the party prepares to form the next government.

Noting that regional diplomacy would be a priority under a Tarique-led administration, he said: "The region is important to us. An important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [is] making this region an influential region."

"[There is a] sense of priority in sending out invitations for the inauguration. The time frame is short, but the gesture is there."

He described the proposed invitation as a signal of intent to improve ties.

"You give an invitation for people to attend, you will have expectations that you attend. A goodwill gesture."

Kabir suggested that a BNP government would pursue what he described as a balanced regional approach.

"We also believe a certain political vision for the region can be set out, "

he told WION.