Who Is Tarique Rahman, The Next Prime Minister of Bangladesh?

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) celebrates a sweeping victory in Bangladesh's latest general elections, all eyes are once again on one man who has long loomed large over the party's future - Tarique Rahman.

Who Is Tarique Rahman?

Born 20 November 1965 in Dhaka, Rahman comes from one of Bangladesh's most influential political families. His father, Ziaur Rahman, rose from the military to the presidency; his mother later served as prime minister. Rahman attended BAF Shaheen College and enrolled at the University of Dhaka, studying law and later international relations before leaving to pursue business in textiles and shipping. He formally entered politics in 1988 at the BNP's upazila branch in Gabtali, Bogra.

He rose rapidly within the party ranks, eventually becoming senior joint secretary general and later the acting chief after Khaleda Zia's imprisonment and ill health kept her away from active politics. Seen by supporters as the natural heir to the Zia political legacy, Tarique has positioned himself as a key strategist and ideological torchbearer of the BNP's brand of Bangladeshi nationalism.

After nearly 17 years away, Rahman came back to Bangladesh in December 2025, ending a long self-imposed exile in London. His arrival immediately reshaped the political landscape: he assumed leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and steered it into national elections, signaling a dramatic re-entry into frontline politics. Five days after his return, his mother, Khaleda Zia, died, closing a major chapter in the country's political history.

Years in Exile

Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 amid allegations of corruption and claims of political persecution. Before departing, he submitted a handwritten note at the airport resigning from his party post and announcing his withdrawal from active politics. Arrested in 2007 during an anti-corruption campaign led by a military-backed caretaker government, he was later released on medical grounds and traveled to London for treatment, alleging mistreatment while in custody. He settled in Kingston with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.

During Sheikh Hasina's 15‑year administration, Rahman was convicted in several corruption and terror‑related cases-verdicts he and supporters said were politically driven. After Hasina's fall in 2024, courts overturned those convictions, removing legal obstacles and enabling his December 2025 return.

Campaigning, symbolism, and challenges

Since returning on 25 December, the 60‑year‑old Rahman became the visible face of the BNP's campaign. His rallies drew large crowds and reassured supporters who had watched the party weaken under arrests, factional splits, and years of distance from grassroots voters. His presence revived the party's historical base and tapped into the legacy of his father, General Ziaur Rahman.

Yet translating symbolic momentum into disciplined, effective party control has proved difficult. Years of remote leadership left organizational gaps; internal divisions and episodes of political violence involving party activists have raised questions about discipline. Observers also note that some of Rahman's public statements contained inaccuracies or repeated past pledges, undermining credibility among undecided voters.

It has to be noted that his claims were fact-checked on several occasions. One such example was he had stated that the southern district of Faridpur was producing soya beans in large quantities and it turned out that it was not true.

Party insiders acknowledge these flaws but express confidence that his performance will sharpen with time.