Tarique Rahman's Dramatic Political Resurrection in Bangladesh
In a stunning reversal of fortune, BNP chief Tarique Rahman has emerged as the new face of Bangladesh less than two months after returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Thursday's election marked a remarkable political resurrection for the 60-year-old leader, who left the country in 2008 citing medical treatment needs following his release from detention under a military-backed caretaker regime.
A Hero's Welcome and Personal Tragedy
Rahman returned home to a hero's welcome last Christmas after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. The political scion comes from a family that has long dominated Bangladeshi politics. His mother, Khaleda Zia, was a formidable political force, while his father, Ziaur Rahman, was a leading independence figure who ruled the country from 1977 to 1981 before his assassination.
"I don't know how we have passed every minute since we landed," Rahman said during an interview last week, reflecting on the whirlwind of events since his return with his cardiologist wife and barrister daughter.
Tragedy struck just five days after his homecoming when Khaleda Zia died after a prolonged illness. This personal loss coincided with Rahman assuming the chairmanship of the BNP at a critical juncture when the party faced political wilderness ahead of the polls.
From Controversial Figure to Statesman
The bespectacled Rahman, born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, has undergone a significant transformation. Gone is the image of the brash operator from the BNP's 2001-2006 era when his mother was prime minister. Although he never held a government post, Rahman was often accused of running a parallel power center during her tenure—a charge he consistently denies.
"What does revenge bring to someone? People have to flee from this country because of revenge. This does not bring anything good," Rahman stated. "What we need at the moment in the country is peace and stability."
Legal Battles and Political Persecution
Under Hasina's rule, Rahman became a central target of graft cases and was convicted in absentia in several instances. In 2018, he received a life sentence over a 2004 grenade attack on a rally Hasina was addressing that resulted in numerous casualties. Rahman has always denied these allegations, calling them politically motivated, and has since been acquitted in all cases following Hasina's ouster.
During his years abroad, marked by legal battles against money-laundering charges, Rahman continued guiding the party from London. From a home office that became the nerve center of his party, he ran the BNP remotely via Zoom while living a low-key life with his family.
A New Political Vision for Bangladesh
Since his return, Rahman has adopted a noticeably understated style, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and calling instead for restraint and reconciliation. In speeches that have drawn massive crowds, he has pledged to dismantle "the very monarchical" executive power on which his family once thrived.
Rahman has spoken of restoring "people's ownership of the state" and rebuilding institutions—a message that has energized BNP supporters eager for a fresh start. He has highlighted several key priorities:
- Recalibrating Bangladesh's international partnerships to attract investment without tying the country too closely to any single power
- Expanding financial aid for poor families
- Reducing reliance on garment exports by promoting industries such as toys and leather goods
Challenges Ahead for the New Leader
Rahman acknowledged that the task ahead in this nation of 170 million people would be daunting, with economic recovery being a key challenge. Analysts note that the lack of discipline within the BNP poses a major obstacle, particularly given that party activists have earned a reputation for extortion and seizing opponents' businesses during the past 18 months.
Despite these challenges, Rahman maintains a strong grip on the party. Insiders reveal he directly oversaw candidate selection, strategy, and alliance talks—roles he once performed remotely from London.
While he may be a product of dynastic politics, Rahman emphasizes that restoring democracy remains his highest priority. "Only by practicing democracy can we prosper. If we practice democracy, we can establish accountability," he asserted. "So we want to practice democracy, we want to rebuild our country."
The soft-spoken leader now faces the monumental task of transforming his vision into reality while navigating the complex political landscape of a nation at a crossroads.
