Tarique Rahman, widely expected to be Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister, has confirmed his plans to return to the country for the upcoming landmark elections. In an exclusive interview, Rahman stated, “The time has come, God willing, I will return soon.” This marks his first in-depth interview in nearly two decades, as he has been living overseas since 2008.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently the frontrunner in the elections scheduled for February. Rahman, the son of the BNP’s ailing leader, is anticipated to lead the nation if his party secures victory. This election is particularly significant following the widespread protests in 2024 that led to the ousting of three-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League party is reportedly expected to be barred from participating in the elections.
The 2024 unrest, according to UN investigators, resulted in approximately 1,400 fatalities and included a severe crackdown on student-led demonstrations that ultimately led to Hasina’s removal from power. Hasina, who has since sought refuge in India, is currently facing trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity committed during her tenure.
Rahman addressed the prolonged period of his absence from Bangladesh, explaining, “Maybe due to some personal reasons, the return has not happened yet. But I think the time has come.” He emphasized his commitment to the nation’s political future, stating, “This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time.”
The Awami League had dominated Bangladeshi politics for 15 years, significantly diminishing the influence of the BNP and other opposition parties. Notably, Rahman, who had faced multiple convictions in absentia, was cleared of all charges following Hasina’s ouster.
The interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has prohibited the Awami League from engaging in political activities until their leaders’ trials conclude. Both Hasina and her party deny all charges leveled against them.
While the BNP has expressed frustration with the interim government’s delay in announcing election dates, they seem to share a common stance regarding the Awami League’s participation. “Those who ordered killing and torture, they must be brought to justice,” Rahman declared.
The upcoming elections are expected to focus on democratic reforms and the restoration of free speech, areas where the Awami League government faced considerable criticism for suppressing dissent. Rahman has pledged to dismantle such restrictions if his party comes to power.
The interim government is actively working to achieve a consensus on electoral reforms among political parties, though progress has been gradual. For many Bangladeshis, particularly the youth who spearheaded last year’s protests, the guarantee of fundamental freedoms will be a critical benchmark for the country’s future leadership.
While Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh, has reportedly been forming alliances, Rahman expressed confidence, stating, “The BNP faced competition in the election before. There is nothing to be worried about.” He noted that while the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami had previously formed a coalition government, they are now pursuing independent political paths.
The article was conducted by BBC News Bangla’s Mir Sabbir and Qadir Kallol.