Once exiled and facing serious corruption charges in 2008, Tarique Rahman, heir to a powerful political family, was largely dismissed by many in Bangladesh. His return marks a remarkable political comeback in a nation frequently battling corruption.
Now, nearly two decades on, Rahman has made a stunning return, defying expectations and reclaiming his political destiny.
His arrival in Dhaka last December set the stage for one of Bangladesh’s most pivotal elections. Capitalizing on a recent student-led revolution demanding deep political reforms, Rahman adeptly presented himself as a champion for the populace, leading his party to a decisive win.
Rahman has pledged to tackle key issues raised by the protest movement: strengthening democracy, eradicating corruption, and expanding opportunities. However, some students worry that this victory simply signifies a continuation of the power struggle between two dynastic families that have long held sway over Bangladesh since its independence from Pakistan in 1971.
On Thursday morning, the 60-year-old leader cast his vote in an affluent Dhaka polling station, reiterating his party’s commitment to usher in the promised changes.
Mr. Rahman arriving at a polling station in Dhaka on Thursday. It was rarely in doubt that Mr. Rahman’s party would win. Its main rival was banned from participating.
“Our immediate focus, should we win, will be on enhancing public safety and restoring law and order,” Rahman stated, amidst a heavy security presence of police and army personnel who kept eager crowds at bay during the tightly controlled election.
He added, “We will begin this work from day one if we form the government.” After his remarks, Rahman quickly entered an awaiting SUV, with mounted police maintaining crowd control as the vehicle slowly made its way to the B.N.P. headquarters, just a block distant.
By Friday, even before all votes were tallied, it was evident that his party was poised to form the new government, likely with a substantial majority.
Rahman’s victory was largely anticipated, especially since the Awami League, previously led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina (who was deposed during the 2024 student revolution), was barred from contesting. For nearly 55 years since its independence from Pakistan, Bangladesh has seen power oscillate between the Awami League and the B.N.P., with both parties representing dominant political families. Sheikh Hasina, too, hails from one of these prominent dynasties.
This election, the B.N.P.’s primary challenger was Jamaat-e-Islami. This party, known for its advocacy of Islamic law, had forged a coalition with ten other groups, notably including the National Citizen Party, which emerged from the recent student movement. Although this alliance seemed to gain some ground, it likely didn’t secure enough seats to significantly sway the B.N.P.’s authority.
Days before the election, in an interview at his office, Rahman exuded confidence, declaring, “We are very confident that, God willing, we’ll be forming the next government.” He appeared poised to reclaim his family’s political legacy.
Rahman strategically campaigned by acknowledging the need for change within the B.N.P., embracing student demands for a more inclusive society with his slogan, “Bangladesh before all.” The party’s manifesto aligned with many progressive ideals championed by student protesters, advocating for increased female political participation, economic growth, and upholding the rule of law.
Supporters of the Bangladesh National Party, which Mr. Rahman leads, during a rally in Dhaka on Monday.
Rahman emphasized that the B.N.P. had championed change under his mother, Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. He vowed to continue her legacy of empowering women, noting Zia’s praised initiatives to boost girls’ education and establish Bangladesh as a leading garment manufacturing nation, which significantly fueled economic growth. However, critics also remember Zia’s tenure for its struggles in curbing the rise of Islamic extremism in the early 2000s.
Nevertheless, the B.N.P.’s ascent raises significant questions about Bangladesh’s future and the lasting impact of the 2024 student revolution that overthrew Ms. Hasina’s government. That movement was fueled by student grievances over economic stagnation, pervasive corruption, and diminishing political liberties.
Both Rahman and Ms. Hasina are descendants of pivotal figures from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. Rahman’s father, Ziaur Rahman, was the country’s first military leader and founded the B.N.P. in 1978, while Ms. Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is revered as a national founding father.
Mr. Rahman at a polling station in Dhaka on Thursday. The election was the first since a student revolution in 2024 that demanded fundamental political change.
Following her 2014 election victory, Ms. Hasina steadily consolidated power. Meanwhile, Ms. Zia, Rahman’s mother, continued as B.N.P. chair amidst her own legal battles until her passing in late December, entrusting party leadership to Rahman while he resided in Britain. Ms. Hasina, at 78, sought refuge in India after being overthrown and still resides there.
Rahman himself has faced considerable adversity. In March 2007, just six months after his mother’s resignation and the establishment of a military government, he was apprehended by police on extortion charges, part of a broad anti-corruption campaign. He has consistently maintained his innocence.
His departure from Bangladesh in 2008 marked the beginning of a long exile, ending only with his return last December.
When questioned about his return, Rahman responded candidly, “Not exactly,” explaining that he foresees numerous challenges ahead.
Despite the complex history, voters ultimately decided to grant his family and party another opportunity to govern.
Dhaka businessman Milon Almazee expressed support for Rahman, citing his perceived maturity and the valuable governmental insight gained from being the son of a former prime minister.
“His speeches, his diplomacy, and his demeanor have all improved,” Almazee remarked. “He’s certainly sharper now.”