Dhaka: Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been featured on the New York-based TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the world for 2026. The list released today by TIME magazine included prominent leaders like US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Pope Leo XIV, Benjamin Netanyahu, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, among others. Tarique Rahman secured a place in the list under the category of "leaders."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the TIME magazine in Tarique Rahman's profile described his transition from an opposition figure to a national leader. The profile highlighted the significant political shift in Bangladesh following the 2024 ousting of the autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which paved the way for Tarique Rahman's return. His electoral victory in February marked his return to Bangladesh after 17 years of living abroad.
The magazine also noted Tarique Rahman's personal journey, drawing parallels with his mother, Khaleda Zia, who was Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister. Her passing, just five days after his return to Dhaka, deeply affected him. Despite his grief, Rahman expressed determination to unify Bangladesh and invigorate its economy, which is currently facing challenges such as high inflation and youth unemployment.
The profile further mentioned the strained relations with neighboring India, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to these diplomatic issues. Additionally, it referenced past corruption allegations against Rahman, acknowledging their resolution by the courts but warning of a potentially brief honeymoon period for his leadership.
Tarique Rahman, in his conversation with TIME, emphasized the importance of unity and political rights, stating, "We need to work together, unite, so that people can have their political rights."