The mass uprising of August 5 stands as a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s recent political history. What began as prolonged public discontent—shaped by nearly 17 years of anti-government movements, sustained repression, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, mass arrests, imprisonment, and political persecution—eventually culminated in an explosive popular revolt. At the center of discussions surrounding this historic transformation is the name of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, repeatedly identified as a key figure behind the scenes.
According to political analysts, Tarique Rahman is not merely a political leader living in exile. Rather, for over a decade and a half, he has functioned as one of the principal strategists and coordinators of Bangladesh’s opposition movement. While this reality may not be fully understood by many, and others may hesitate to acknowledge it publicly, his role has increasingly drawn attention in political discourse.
Exile in London, Yet at the Political Core
After leaving Bangladesh for London due to severe political persecution and for medical treatment, Tarique Rahman gradually recovered physically. However, distance from the country did not translate into disengagement from politics. On the contrary, during his time in London, he built an extensive political, social, and professional network that remained closely connected to developments inside Bangladesh.
He maintained regular contact with prominent political figures, business leaders, playwrights, journalists, poets, intellectuals, and individuals with whom he had long-standing personal relationships. These interactions were not limited to courtesy meetings or casual exchanges. Instead, they served as an effective channel through which he monitored the country’s overall political climate, public sentiment, social dynamics, and administrative activities.
Analysts argue that this ability to remain deeply connected to Bangladesh’s political reality while living abroad distinguishes Tarique Rahman from many other leaders in exile.
A Network Extending to the Grassroots
From 2013 onward, Tarique Rahman’s political engagement expanded significantly. He did not confine his communication to senior party leaders alone. Rather, he established direct and indirect contact with leaders at the district, upazila, thana, and even union levels.
This extensive network played a crucial role in reorganizing the BNP and its affiliated organizations, assessing grassroots leadership capacity, and understanding on-the-ground realities. Multiple sources indicate that Tarique Rahman received updates several times a day about events unfolding across the country—where protests were gaining momentum, where weaknesses existed, and where strategic adjustments were necessary.
Based on continuous analysis of the movement’s dynamics, he provided guidance that grassroots leaders and activists considered vital for sustaining political pressure.
Insight into the Administration and Law Enforcement
Political observers note that another significant strength of Tarique Rahman was his understanding of developments within the state administration and law enforcement agencies. He did not merely observe the actions of officials at various levels; many government officers and police personnel reportedly maintained contact with him on their own initiative.
Information regarding transfers, the roles played by specific officials, and signs of dissatisfaction or hesitation within law enforcement circles contributed to strategic decision-making. Such insights helped determine where pressure could be applied effectively, which areas were suitable for peaceful programs, and how to calibrate protest activities to minimize unnecessary confrontation.
A Strategy Beyond Protest: Planned and Sustained Resistance
Tarique Rahman did not limit his role to gathering information. He was actively involved in shaping the strategic framework of the movement. Decisions regarding when and where rallies would take place, how leaflets would be distributed in advance, and which messages needed to reach the public were carefully planned.
Whether a program would remain peaceful, symbolic, or escalate gradually was determined through calculated planning. Political analysts suggest that this disciplined, patient, and methodical approach was a key factor in sustaining the opposition movement over such an extended period.
Continuity of a 17-Year Struggle
Since 2009, the BNP and other opposition forces have faced intense repression. Under these conditions—marked by enforced disappearances, killings, arrests, politically motivated cases, and imprisonment—maintaining unity and momentum was exceptionally difficult.
Yet, over time, opposition activists gradually consolidated. Tarique Rahman’s political messaging and guidance played a significant role in this process. He consistently emphasized patience, organization, and long-term struggle, rejecting emotionally driven, short-term reactions in favor of sustained and calculated pressure aimed at transforming the political landscape.
August 5: The Reality Behind the Uprising
It is true that Tarique Rahman was not physically present on the streets during the August 5 movement. However, many of the student leaders who played frontline roles have acknowledged that his planning and strategic direction were instrumental to the movement’s success.
Beyond student leadership, he also played a role in encouraging participation from youth groups, workers, businesspeople, retired military officers, and ordinary citizens. Bringing diverse social and professional groups under a unified platform proved crucial in expanding the scope and impact of the uprising.
Sources further indicate that Tarique Rahman provided guidance on where student leaders would be deployed and how protests would be intensified in specific areas.
The Context of Sheikh Hasina’s Fall
Political analysts widely agree that the events of July 36 and the government’s collapse or the prime minister’s departure on August 5 did not occur spontaneously. Rather, they were the outcome of a long-planned and sustained movement whose foundations were laid years earlier.
From initiation and planning to execution, Tarique Rahman was regarded as one of the principal architects of this prolonged political journey. Although absent from the public stage, his behind-the-scenes role in shaping the movement’s direction was decisive.
Tarique Rahman’s Place in History
Bangladesh’s political history is marked by numerous movements and leaders who led from the front. Tarique Rahman’s role, however, has been distinct. He functioned as a quiet strategist—closely observing every development from afar while influencing the course of events.
An analysis of the August 5 mass uprising and the preceding 17 years of anti-government struggle suggests that Tarique Rahman’s role as the movement’s behind-the-scenes leader will receive significant historical attention. At a critical stage, a united front of students and citizens succeeded in bringing about political change, driven by years of organized and sustained effort.
Whether visible on the political stage or not, it is increasingly difficult to deny that Tarique Rahman played a central and decisive role in the movement that led to Sheikh Hasina’s downfall. Notably, student coordinators who led the protests have already acknowledged his contributions in public meetings and rallies.