New Bangladesh PM Rahman Tarique pledges rule of law, vows protection for minorities

Bangladesh’s newly sworn in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday promised to restore law and order and ensure that the country becomes a safe and equal home for people of all religions and political beliefs , even as recent data highlights the scale of violence faced by minorities.

In his maiden televised address after assuming office, Rahman said strengthening the rule of law and strictly controlling corruption would be his government’s top priorities. “We want to turn this country into a safe land for every citizen. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity, this country belongs to all of us,” he said, asserting that every citizen has equal rights over the state , whether or not they voted for his party.

His remarks come amid continuing concerns over attacks on minorities following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. Rights groups have documented a worrying rise in mob violence, lynchings and communal attacks during this period.

The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, a Bangladesh based human rights organisation, reported that in January 2026 alone there were 21 incidents of lynching and 28 cases of mob beatings . Separately, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented 522 communal attacks in 2025 , including killings, rapes and vandalism of temples. The council said 116 people belonging to minority faiths, mostly Hindus, were murdered between June 2025 and January 2026 . These figures underline the seriousness of the situation and raise questions about whether such attacks will subside under the new administration.

India has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus , in Bangladesh.

Responding to the deteriorating situation, Rahman said all constitutional and governmental institutions would function strictly under established laws. “Not party influence or force, but the rule of law will be the final word in governing the state,” he declared, adding that mob culture will not be tolerated . Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has also said that controlling law and order, including ending mob violence, is one of the government’s key priorities, a view echoed by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.

Rahman acknowledged that his government has begun its journey amid a fragile economy, weak governance and worsening law and order situation. He outlined his goal of building a self reliant, secure, humane and democratic Bangladesh.

Rahman, 60, assumed office on Tuesday after leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections. The son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self exile in London. Along with him, 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers have taken oath, marking the beginning of a new political chapter that will now be closely watched to see whether violence against minorities truly declines in the months ahead.