Top leaders and high-level representatives from various South Asian countries will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, in what is seen as a show of regional support for the new government.

The swearing-in ceremony is being held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital today (Tuesday, February 17). Prominent guests from neighboring countries are participating, highlighting Bangladesh's regional importance and the expectation of continued cooperation with the new government.

Maldives: Maldives President Dr. Mohammed Mujibur Rahman arrived in Dhaka this morning. He was welcomed by Foreign Affairs Advisor M. Towhid Hossain at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The Maldives High Commission said his presence reflects the close and friendly bilateral relations between Dhaka and Male and highlights the desire to further strengthen ties with the new government.

Bhutan: Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay will attend the swearing-in ceremony at the invitation of the Bangladesh government. His visit is a reflection of Bhutan's continued support and long-standing friendship with Bangladesh, the Bhutanese embassy said in a statement. The visit reaffirms the strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

India: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the event, a press release from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said.

It further said that the participation of the Lok Sabha Speaker highlights the deep and enduring friendship between the people of the two countries and reaffirms India's commitment to shared democratic values.

India has already welcomed the change in Bangladesh's political landscape through the elected government led by Tarique Rahman.

Pakistan: Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury will be present at the event as Pakistan's representative. Upon his arrival in Dhaka, he was welcomed by senior officials of the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and the Pakistani High Commissioner.

The Pakistan High Commission said that Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury's visit reflects the spirit of further strengthening bilateral relations.

Nepal: Nepalese Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma arrived in Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony. He was welcomed at the airport by Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry Secretary Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari. This is a reflection of the friendly and long-standing relations between the two countries.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa will represent Colombo. Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said her participation is a clear example of friendly bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

The presence and participation of these top South Asian leaders and representatives underscores the regional interest in Bangladesh's political transformation. It also signals a commitment to deepen cooperation with the Tarique Rahman-led government.