Tarique Rahman, poised to become Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister, has confirmed his intention to return to the country after more than twenty years abroad to participate in the upcoming pivotal elections. In his first in-depth interview in nearly two decades with BBC Bangla, Rahman stated, “The time has come, God willing, I will return soon.”
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently the frontrunner in the elections scheduled for February. Should the party emerge victorious, Rahman, the son of its ailing leader, is anticipated to lead the nation. This election is considered particularly significant, marking a new era for Bangladesh following the mass protests in 2024 that led to the ousting of three-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League party is expected to be barred from participating in the elections.
The unrest in 2024 resulted in an estimated 1,400 fatalities, according to UN investigators, including a severe crackdown on student-led demonstrations that ultimately unseated Hasina. Hasina, who has since sought refuge in India, is currently facing trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity committed during her tenure.
Many have questioned Rahman’s prolonged stay in London, where he has resided since 2008. He expressed that personal reasons may have delayed his return, but now feels the time is right. “This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time,” he remarked.
The Awami League had dominated Bangladeshi politics for 15 years, significantly outperforming the BNP and other opposition parties. Following Hasina’s removal, Rahman, who had received multiple convictions in absentia, had all charges against him dropped.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has prohibited the Awami League from engaging in political activities until the legal proceedings against its leaders conclude. Both Hasina and her party deny all accusations.
While the BNP has expressed frustration with the interim government for not setting an election date sooner, they appear to align on the issue of the Awami League’s participation. Rahman stated, “Those who ordered killing and torture, they must be brought to justice.”
He is confident that the recent successes of the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami in university elections will not impact the general election outcome, given their relatively smaller vote share in past national polls. Rahman also remains unconcerned about Jamaat-e-Islami’s potential alliances with other Islamist parties.
The National Citizen’s Party (NCP), a new political group formed by leaders of the student uprising, had a poor showing in the recent student union elections, raising doubts about its prospects in the upcoming general election.
The political landscape is further complicated by tense relations with India, Bangladesh’s largest neighbor, following Hasina’s flight to Delhi. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, but India has yet to issue an official response.
The relationship with India is a sensitive topic in Bangladeshi politics, given the shared border. The BNP, among other parties, has often criticized India’s support for the Awami League, particularly concerning the three contentious elections held during their rule.
Rahman also addressed concerns about democratic reforms and freedom of speech, areas where the Awami League government faced considerable criticism for suppressing dissent, including a ban on media coverage of his speeches. He assured that such restrictions would be lifted under his leadership.
The interim government is working towards consensus on reforms, but progress has been slow. For many Bangladeshis, especially the youth who spearheaded last year’s protests, the promise of fundamental freedoms will be a crucial measure of success for the new government.
This interview was conducted by BBC News Bangla’s Mir Sabbir and Qadir Kallol.