Dhaka: Bangladesh entered a new political phase on Tuesday with Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister as BNP won two-thirds majority in last week’s general election under his stewardship in a changed political landscape. The oath of office of the new cabinet was administered on Tuesday afternoon while the event was preceded by the swearing-in ceremony of new parliament members.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman is widely regarded as the vanguard of the country’s struggle for democratic restoration, remaining relentlessly engaged in dynamic and innovative political initiatives for nearly two decades since his forced exiled life in London. His preparedness for taking the charge of the country’s premiership and delivering his job appeared more visible with his intensified and dynamic engagements for greater national harmony and fixing the country’s democratic trajectory.
Rahman set a rare precedent in the nation’s history by visiting the residences of BNP’s main contender Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafique Rahman and its electoral ally National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam. Staying away from 8000 kilometers since 2008, Rahman secured a long-lasting place in the heart of millions and positioned himself at the forefront of national politics through his pragmatic leadership. He returned home on December 25 to a massive welcome and BNP entrusted him with the charge of its chairmanship after the demise of his illustrious mother Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30.
Rahman guided the party towards its historic victory in the 13th parliamentary election held on Thursday. A soft-spoken but resolute leader of his generation, he ushered in a new political chapter, aiming to bridge longstanding divides within the nation’s political scenario emphasizing reconciliation over retribution, discarding divisiveness and politics of vengeance and retaliation. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united. I firmly believe that national unity is our collective strength, while division is our weakness,” he said in his first post-election press conference.
Rahman’s early life was spent amidst the turmoil of the nation’s struggle for democracy and independence. Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, he was a witness to the country’s political upheavals. His father, BNP’s founder, proclaimed the country’s independence, deserting his secured army career and emerging as a top military leader in the Liberation War. Rahman completed his education at prominent institutions in Dhaka, later enrolling at Dhaka University, where he studied law and international relations.
He joined BNP as a primary member in 1988 and played a pivotal role in strengthening democracy at grassroots levels through secret balloting for party leadership selection. Rahman established an office in the capital in 2001 for research on good governance, contributing to BNP’s landslide victory in the 2001 election. Despite his familial ties to party leadership, Rahman preferred to focus on strengthening BNP’s grassroots organization rather than holding public office.
Rahman’s personal life includes a marriage to cardiologist Zobaida Rahman in 1994, and together they have a daughter, Zaima Rahman, a practicing lawyer. The loss of his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, in 2015 and the people’s deprivation of democratic rights deeply encouraged Tarique’s humanitarian and empathetic approach to leadership.
Rahman faced state-sponsored repression, including detention without notice by an army-backed interim government in 2007, during which he was subjected to torture. His experiences strengthened his moral courage and commitment to the party and the nation. From exile in London, he engaged in research and virtual meetings to devise development plans and maintain party unity.
Rahman’s efforts culminated in his role in restoring Bangladesh’s democracy, with BNP leaders and activists participating in protests that led to the fall of the Awami League-led regime in 2024. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Rahman continued to pursue democratic principles, establishing a 31-point proposal for future governance based on Begum Zia’s Vision 2030.
Rahman’s life exemplifies tolerance, grassroots engagement, principled politics, and humanitarian leadership. His disciplined life and career offer enduring lessons in principled leadership, public service, and the transformative potential of steadfast dedication, cementing his place as a defining figure in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.