After 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman’s ascent in Bangladeshi politics represents a stunning return. In a dramatic shift in national politics, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to take power almost 18 months after student-led protests in July 2024 brought an end to Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
Party chairman Tarique Rahman is rumored to take over as prime minister after the BNP secured more than 200 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, also known as the House of the Nation.
Rahman’s rise in the country’s politics marks a dramatic comeback following his 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Multiple media tallies showed the BNP had won more than 200 seats as the counting is still underway.
Who Is Tarique Rahman?
- Tarique Rahman, born on November 20, 1965 in Dhaka, is the son of BNP supremo and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He returned to Bangladesh a few months back, after ending his 17 years of self-imposed exile.
- He left Bangladesh in 2008 after detention during an anti-corruption crackdown under a military-backed government. He also faced multiple corruption and criminal cases under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, which he denied and termed as ‘politically motivated’.
- Rahman took over leadership of the BNP from his mother, Khaleda Zia, a giant political figure in Bangladeshi politics. Zia died just five days after Rahman returned home in December.
- He returned to Bangladesh in December 2024 to a hero’s welcome after years in exile. His return came after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 following a youth-led uprising.
- The BNP chairman was cleared of past cases following the change in government. He then took direct control of BNP’s campaign, candidate selection and alliance strategy.
- He led his party — BNP — along with the alliance to cross the 200-mark tally in the 13th national election of Bangladesh and is now poised to become the next Prime Minister of the country.
FAQs: Who Is Tarique Rahman?
Tarique Rahman is a senior Bangladeshi politician and chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, he is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
2. Why is Tarique Rahman in the news?
After 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, Rahman has made a dramatic political comeback. Following recent national elections, the BNP reportedly secured more than 200 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, positioning him as a frontrunner to become Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister.
3. Why did Tarique Rahman go into exile?
Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 after being detained during an anti-corruption crackdown under a military-backed government. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he faced multiple corruption and criminal cases, which he consistently denied, calling them politically motivated.
4. When did he return to Bangladesh?
Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2024 after 17 years in exile. His return followed the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, amid student-led protests that significantly reshaped the country’s political landscape.
5. What happened after his return?
After returning, Rahman was cleared of past cases following the political transition. He assumed direct leadership of the BNP’s election campaign, oversaw candidate selection, and strategized alliances. Under his leadership, the party crossed the 200-seat mark in the 13th national election.
6. What is his relationship with Khaleda Zia?
Tarique Rahman is the son of Khaleda Zia, one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures and a former Prime Minister. He gradually took over party leadership responsibilities from her. Zia reportedly passed away shortly after his return to the country.
7. Is Tarique Rahman set to become Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister?
With the BNP emerging as the dominant party in parliament, Rahman is widely expected to assume the role of Prime Minister, marking one of the most significant political comebacks in Bangladesh’s recent history.
