After the controversial February 8, 2018 verdict that sentenced BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman effectively assumed the party’s top leadership role. From that moment, he has cast his political identity in distinct light—blending the legacy of his father, President Ziaur Rahman, with the conviction and uncompromising ethos of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Over the years, this hybrid vision has gradually consolidated into a stronger force within the party.
A Long Political Journey with a Moral Dimension
Tarique Rahman began his political journey in 1988 by joining the BNP as an ordinary member in Gabtali Upazila, Bogura. Over the last two decades, he has become one of Bangladesh’s most discussed leaders, known not merely for power but for principle. His rise is often attributed to his sacrifice, political acumen, and an aspiration to restore a new moral framework within politics.
In particular, since August 5, 2024—when the “fascist” Awami League government reportedly fell—Tarique has taken a more visible leadership role in shaping his party’s direction. He has presented new visions and policies, rooted in ideas he first published in 2022. That vision draws from his mother’s “Vision 2030” and proposes a 27‑point reform agenda aimed at ushering Bangladesh into a new horizon.
In July 2023, after extensive consultations with many political parties, he proclaimed a 31‑point manifesto for state reconstruction—a 31‑point charter that he laid out to the nation through Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party colleagues.
Among Bangladesh’s many political personalities, Tarique Rahman aims to inaugurate a new civilizational politics. In recent televised interviews with BBC Bangla and Financial Times on October 6 and 7, he articulated his vision for future politics in Bangladesh—the language of tolerance, firmness, and moral clarity—as a departure from old criticisms and static perceptions.
Messages from the Interviews
In those interviews, he addressed Bangladesh’s current instability, paths toward resolution, and his expectations—optimistic but realistic—for free and fair elections. When he publicly congratulated the victors of the recent DU Central Student Union elections, he underscored his respect for youth politics. His remarks are likely to become models for student political culture nationwide.
Tarique also demonstrated political generosity and moral clarity in discussing how national politics should relate to student politics. Referring to Mahmudur Rahman Manna—former vice president and president of the Citizen Unity movement—he said:
“What I saw is that Manna bhai has been vice president twice. He is a seasoned politician, more experienced than I am. If we take his words seriously or engage with them, I don’t see any reason not to. Student politics belongs to the students; national politics belongs to the nation.”
Exile, Leadership, and Return
From the early days of organizing joint movements, Tarique Rahman pledged to transition the country through a national government. “About 64 political parties tried to take to the streets during the era of tyranny,” he remarked in the interview. “We tried to coordinate more or less as many as we could.”
His unique status as a long‑exiled leader of a major party places him in rare company. Leaders such as Nelson Mandela (27 years in prison), George Papandreou (years in exile), Rahul Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif, and others have similar narratives. Tarique, too, has been in exile for 17 years. Yet he says:
“Physically I may be in Britain, but in spirit, mind, and heart I have been in Bangladesh for 17 years.”
He has expressed his commitment to continuing the developmental trajectory set by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, pursuing an inclusive, liberal democracy. He envisions the BNP working on principles of equality and mutual interest with all nations, emphasizing youth empowerment, employment, and turning the youth into national assets.
Within party ranks, he has reportedly issued strict instructions against corruption and unethical behavior. He has pledged to return soon and lead internal party reforms. In the interview, he laid out his candidate selection principle for the upcoming parliamentary elections: preference will go to those with strong grassroots connections and a demonstrated dedication to their constituencies.
Commitment to Press Freedom and Democratic Guarantees
In response to a BBC Bangla question about whether, upon coming to power, he could guarantee an end to oppression of speech and media, his answer was unequivocal:
“Yes. Absolutely. You can look back at 2001–2006 in Bangladesh. I will not name any newspaper or person. Just look at how many stories were published—some factual, some propaganda—but they were carried as news.”
He challenged critics to study that period and see how he defended press freedom under difficult conditions.
Conclusion
Tarique Rahman is striving to reimagine politics in Bangladesh through a new ethical framework. His leadership has become a symbol of hope for many across the country, especially those longing for accountable governance, civil liberties, and a break from entrenched partisan politics.
His return is eagerly anticipated by many. In his interview with BBC Bangla, he pledged to return home as soon as possible and to contest elections. His political destiny, and that of Bangladesh, may turn significantly on that moment.