Less than two months after returning home from nearly two decades in self-imposed exile, Tarique Rahman stands poised to lead Bangladesh as the new prime minister, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.
His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), achieved a crucial victory in the recent parliamentary elections, surpassing the halfway mark in vote counts as reported by local media on 12 February 2024.
A Historic Return
Rahman, now 60, returned to Bangladesh in December 2023, greeted by supporters after a long period away, largely due to political strife and allegations of corruption. His return coincided with the dramatic ousting of the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who is now in exile.
- Rahman is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman, who played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence.
- His mother, Khaleda Zia, was a three-time premier and a significant figure in the country’s politics until her passing shortly after Rahman’s return.
Vision for the Future
With a fresh perspective, Rahman aims to recalibrate Bangladesh’s international relations and foster economic growth through various sectors:
- Expanding financial aid for poor families.
- Diversifying production beyond garment exports into toys and leather goods.
- Implementing a two-term, 10-year limit for prime ministers to enhance democratic governance.
Describing his political philosophy, Rahman stated, “Only by practicing democracy can we prosper and rebuild our country. If we practice democracy, we can establish accountability.” This indicates his commitment to restoring political stability and countering autocratic tendencies.
Addressing the Past
Despite allegations of corruption and political manipulation that once tainted his reputation, Rahman has sought to distance himself from his past. He described his previous life as a brash politician, now focusing on peace and reconciliation.
Speaking about his time in exile, Rahman reflected on the losses he faced—particularly his mother’s death and the emotional complexities of returning home. “When you come home after so long, any son wants to hug his mother; I didn’t have that chance,” he shared, capturing the essence of his bittersweet journey back to leadership.
The Road Ahead
As Rahman steps into this new role, he acknowledges the immense task ahead of rebuilding a country degraded by political turmoil. His leadership journey, supported by his family—including their viral pet cat, Jebu—has energised BNP supporters, keen for a new chapter.
With his sights set on reform and revitalisation, the heir to one of Bangladesh’s strongest political dynasties intends to carve his path, stating, “They are them, I am me. I will try to do better than them.” The world watches as he gears up for what could be a transformative era for Bangladesh.