The political landscape of Bangladesh has undergone a seismic shift with the passing of its first woman prime minister, Khaleda Zia, on December 31, 2025. Her death, occurring while her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina is in exile, marks the definitive end of the nation's decades-long 'battle of the begums'. This pivotal moment coincides with the dramatic return of her son, Tarique Rahman, from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, setting the stage for a transformative election in a nation grappling with its identity and future.
A Dynasty's Return and a Nation at a Crossroads
Khaleda Zia's legacy is inextricably linked to the modern history of Bangladesh. The BNP chief, who served as prime minister, leaves behind a country whose political soul was shaped by her decades-long feud with Sheikh Hasina. This rivalry was itself a continuation of a deeper ideological conflict between their families. Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Bangabandhu), championed a vision of Bengali nationalism, secularism, and socialism. In contrast, Khaleda's husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, promoted Bangladeshi nationalism and initiated greater Islamisation in state and society.
This foundational disagreement has long defined and divided Bangladesh's politics. Now, with the Awami League banned from contesting and an interim government under Muhammad Yunus failing to meet its mandate, the nation faces a vacuum. Into this steps Tarique Rahman. His political potency was signalled by the massive crowds at his July 36 Expressway rally, positioning him as a major force and a potential prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming polls.
The Daunting Challenges for a New Dispensation
The path ahead for any new government in Dhaka is fraught with formidable challenges. The immediate and most critical test will be conducting free and fair elections. Beyond the ballot box, the next administration must navigate a fractured political spectrum, resist extremists seeking to exploit instability, and address the aspirations of a young population while overcoming hurdles posed by old elites.
Historically, the BNP has leveraged religious identity and, at times, anti-India sentiment for political gain, often as a reactive strategy to the Awami League. However, Tarique Rahman has indicated a potential shift in foreign policy tone. He has emphasised "deep historical and geographical ties" with India, framing his party's nationalism as "pro-Bangladesh and not anti-India". This recalibration is underscored by the confirmation that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend Khaleda Zia's funeral in Dhaka, highlighting the ongoing importance of the bilateral relationship.
The Imperative for Unity and Stability
For Bangladesh to realise its potential, the new political order must break from the cycles of the past. The tensions between Bengali nationalist and Islamist forces have stifled progress for too long. Tarique Rahman's BNP now has a unique opportunity and responsibility to chart a cohesive national course.
Success will hinge on the ability to cast a wide net and unite factions across the political divide. Furthermore, protecting minority communities will be a crucial benchmark for the health of the nation's democracy. The return of a key political heir and the closure of a bitter chapter presents not just challenges, but a rare opening for renewal. Whether this moment leads to greater stability or deeper fragmentation will depend on the choices made in the coming months, defining Bangladesh's trajectory for a generation.
