Bangladesh Election: Tarique Rahman to Return for Historic Vote

Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the individual widely expected to become the nation’s next Prime Minister, has declared his intention to return to Bangladesh. This announcement follows months of speculation and comes as the country prepares for pivotal elections, expected in February. Rahman, who has been living abroad for two decades, stated in his first in-depth interview in nearly 20 years, “The time has come, God willing, I will return soon.” He added, “This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time.”

The BNP is currently positioned as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections. If they secure a victory, Rahman, the son of the party’s ailing leader, is poised to lead the country. These elections are considered exceptionally significant for Bangladesh, particularly after the widespread protests in 2024 that led to the ousting of three-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Reports from UN investigators indicate that the unrest resulted in up to 1,400 fatalities, including a severe crackdown on student-led demonstrations. Sheikh Hasina, who has since fled to India, is currently facing trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity during her tenure.

Following Hasina’s removal, questions have been raised about Rahman’s prolonged stay in London, where he has resided since 2008. He commented, “Maybe due to some personal reasons, the return has not happened yet. But I think the time has come.”

The Awami League, Hasina’s party and the BNP’s long-standing rival, dominated Bangladeshi politics for 15 years, often at the expense of opposition parties. Rahman, who had faced multiple convictions in absentia, had his charges dropped after Hasina’s government was overthrown. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has prohibited the Awami League from engaging in political activities until its leaders’ trials conclude. While the BNP has expressed frustration with the interim government for not setting an election date sooner, they largely share the view that the Awami League should not participate in the upcoming polls.

Rahman stated, “Those who ordered killing and torture, they must be brought to justice.” He dismissed the idea that the recent success of the Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing in university elections would impact the general election, noting their smaller vote share in past national contests. He also indicated a lack of concern regarding potential alliances formed by other Islamist parties, asserting that the BNP has successfully navigated competition in previous elections.

Discussions regarding democratic reform and freedom of speech are expected to be central themes in the election. The Awami League government faced considerable criticism for its suppression of dissent, including a court order that barred media outlets from publishing Rahman’s speeches. Rahman assured the BBC that such restrictions would be lifted should his party come to power. The interim government is working towards a consensus on reforms, but progress has been gradual. For the youth who spearheaded last year’s protests, the restoration of fundamental freedoms will be a crucial measure of the next government’s success.