By Sazzad Haider
In the National Parliamentary elections of Bangladesh on 12 February, the moderate party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), achieved a significant victory over the Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP secured more than 200 of the 300 parliamentary seats.
Consequently, the chairman of the winning party, Tarique Rahman, is set to assume the role of Prime Minister shortly.
On August 5, 2024, a major political upheaval—akin to a tsunami—shook Bangladesh. Following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government during the so-called Rain Revolution in July 2024, the country entered a period of instability. Islamic fundamentalist factions gained prominence during this time. An interim government was subsequently established, headed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Dr. Yunus quickly faced criticism for several of his decisions, including the appointment of several students to his cabinet. Despite numerous pledges, he failed to curb nepotism. As a result, mob justice, killings, looting, and vandalism became increasingly common. A culture of impunity emerged, marked by detentions without trial. Economic growth suffered, and concerns grew regarding the quiet rise of Islamic fundamentalism within the administration. Rather than moving promptly toward elections, fundamentalist groups began advancing various demands, including reforms aimed at prolonging Dr. Yunus’s rule. In contrast, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party consistently advocated for the restoration of democratic governance through early elections.
Foreign powers also exerted pressure on Dr. Yunus to organize elections. Consequently, elections were scheduled for 12 February. The Bangladesh Awami League, a major political force in the country, was barred from participating through an executive order.
Tarique Rahman is now poised to assume the office of Prime Minister. His father is recognized as one of the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and later became a widely respected president before being assassinated during a failed military coup in 1981. His mother, Khaleda Zia, served as Prime Minister and was one of the most prominent political figures in the country’s history.
After spending 17 years in exile in London, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on 25 December. He is currently considered one of the most popular political leaders in the country.
Having recently celebrated his 61st birthday, some commentators suggest that he has entered the later stage of his political career.
Tarique Rahman began his political journey within the BNP as an ordinary member, dedicating himself to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure. He consistently supported his mother, Khaleda Zia, in her leadership of the party during politically turbulent times. Police crackdowns on her rallies were frequent, and she was at times placed under house arrest by the government of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Numerous restrictions were imposed on the Zia family during these years.
Like many members of prominent political families, Tarique Rahman had opportunities to pursue education and establish himself abroad. However, he chose instead to align his future with the BNP. After briefly engaging in business, he committed fully to politics, working closely with grassroots leaders and activists rather than seeking elite political status.
When the BNP came to power in 1991, various factions proposed that he assume significant party positions. Nevertheless, he continued working at the grassroots level without holding official office. After the Awami League returned to power in 1996, the BNP faced renewed political pressure and internal challenges. During this period, Tarique Rahman worked discreetly to strengthen the party’s organizational capacity. His efforts were reflected in the BNP’s strong performance in the 2001 National Assembly elections, which brought the party back to power. Although he could have assumed a ministerial role or joined the party’s highest policymaking body, he did not immediately pursue such positions.
In subsequent years, he rose to the post of Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP.
During the military-backed government in 2007, Tarique Rahman was arrested. It was reported that he provided a written undertaking not to engage in future political activities, after which he was permitted to travel abroad for medical treatment. He received treatment at Wellington Hospital, a private institution in St John’s Wood, London.
On 25 December, following 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh and addressed what was described as one of the largest public rallies in the country’s history. Speaking before a massive crowd, he pledged to build a secure and stable Bangladesh—a message that resonated strongly with supporters. Many observers view this rally as confirmation of his current political prominence, following the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia.
It is anticipated that, under his leadership, relations between India and Bangladesh may improve. Following Dr. Yunus’s rise to power, India reportedly halted visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens, and tensions between the two countries became more visible. Tarique Rahman is also expected to adopt a more conciliatory approach toward the Bangladesh Awami League in an effort to promote national political stability.
