Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), prepares to take oath as Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister on Tuesday. The BNP secured a majority in the recent general election, paving the way for Rahman’s leadership following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024. Rahman returned from 17 years of exile in London last December, vowing to eradicate deep-rooted corruption and steer the nation toward a fresh trajectory.
“Physically, I may have been out of the country, but for all those years I remained connected to my people in Bangladesh,” Rahman stated. “As soon as the opportunity arose to serve them, I returned.”
Who is Tarique Rahman?
The 60-year-old Tarique Rahman leads the prominent Zia family in Bangladesh politics. His father, Ziaur Rahman, and mother, Khalida Zia, both held top leadership roles. Khalida Zia served as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, governing from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. Rahman’s career includes persistent accusations of nepotism and corruption from rivals—charges he firmly denies—alongside the personal tragedy of his father’s assassination during his teenage years.
Stance on India Relations
Tarique Rahman prioritizes Bangladesh’s interests in shaping foreign policy toward India. “The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy,” he affirmed. He advocates for ties grounded in mutual respect and understanding, acknowledging existing challenges.
Addressing concerns over India’s sheltering of Hasina and her associates, Rahman responded cautiously: “That depends. It has to be on them too.” The BNP positions itself as a more democratic option compared to Islamist groups like Jamaat, amid efforts by New Delhi to engage the incoming administration. Rebuilding neighborly bonds emerges as a key priority for the new government.
Path from Exile to Redemption
Authorities arrested Rahman in 2007 amid a military-backed caretaker government’s anti-corruption push; he denied all charges. In 2008, severe jail mistreatment necessitated medical travel to London, where he went into exile amid pending cases, including the 2004 grenade attack on a rally led by opposition figure Sheikh Hasina.
During Hasina’s 15-year rule, courts convicted him in terrorism and corruption trials, which Rahman dismissed as politically motivated. Following Hasina’s 2024 downfall, those verdicts were quashed, enabling his homecoming. Rahman resided in London’s Kingston suburb with his wife and daughter until his return on December 25, 2025—five days before his mother’s passing.
Political Ascendancy
Rahman entered BNP activism in 2001 at age 35. By 2002, he ascended to a senior party role, drawing nepotism critiques from opponents. Supporters view corruption claims as rival smears. From abroad, he steered BNP strategy as acting chairman after his mother’s 2018 imprisonment, maintaining influence until his triumphant return.
