In a vibrant atmosphere in Gazipur, Bangladesh, a powerful political resurgence is underway as thousands of supporters gather to rally behind Tarique Rahman, the new leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His return from nearly 17 years of exile has reignited hopes among his constituents for renewed political engagement and reform, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections slated for February 12. As the BNP aims to reclaim its position in a politically charged landscape, Rahman’s leadership is poised to face significant challenges that could redefine Bangladesh’s political future.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – As midnight approached, tens of thousands converged for a campaign rally in Gazipur, a key garment manufacturing hub just north of the capital. They had endured long waits to hear from Tarique Rahman, the newly appointed chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who took on the mantle following the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, who was Bangladesh’s first female prime minister.
BNP leaders heralded the impressive turnout as a testament to the party’s capacity to galvanize support after enduring 15 years of challenges under the leadership of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. With the Awami League’s political activities halted after being banned last year by the interim administration of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the BNP now stands as a frontrunner in the approaching February elections, facing off against the resurgent Jamaat-e-Islami party, known for its Islamist agenda, which has formed an alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by former student leaders of the 2024 uprising that ended Hasina’s regime.
Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2023, with a strong desire to rejuvenate the BNP’s public presence. His rallies have attracted large crowds, and his approach of leading from the front has invigorated party faithful who have long awaited signs of a revival amid frequent arrests and internal strife during Hasina’s governance. His symbolic return has strong historical resonance, being the son of General Ziaur Rahman, a notable military figure whose influence had long shaped the BNP’s identity prior to his assassination in 1981.
Despite the fervent optimism, Rahman’s journey has also been fraught with challenges, particularly evident in the internal dynamics of the party. Since returning, he faces the task of quelling dissent within the ranks, as 92 candidates are contesting against official BNP nominees in 79 of the country’s 300 constituencies, highlighting factionalism that remains a concern for party cohesion.
Analysts have noted that Rahman’s strategy as a leader—managing party affairs from exile—has demonstrated limitations as he seeks to transition from a symbol of hope to a practical, effective leader. A recent analysis indicated substantial levels of political violence attributed to BNP activists, raising questions regarding internal party control.
Political expert Dilara Chowdhury informed ZezapTV that the challenges of disunity within the BNP have become glaringly apparent during this campaign. In her view, Rahman’s kinship with the party’s legacy creates expectations that may impose undue pressure on his leadership capacities. With the election serving as a critical test of Rahman’s ability to captivate and unify his base, analysts speculate about his efficacy in transforming symbolic leadership into tangible results.
His public messaging has drawn both attention and scrutiny; there have been incidents of factual inaccuracies in his campaign speeches, causing some potential voters to question his preparedness. Despite acknowledging these missteps and emphasizing a commitment to accountability, skepticism persists around the party’s ability to redefine its image, particularly among younger voters who have not directly experienced BNP governance.
With aspirations of a clean slate, Rahman acknowledges past failings and has made pledges aimed at eradicating corruption. However, analysts caution that overcoming deeply entrenched perceptions of the BNP and establishing effective governance will be paramount as the party approaches the elections.
As Rahman embarks on this pivotal journey from exile to leadership, the question remains: can he translate the historic appeal of his family’s legacy into legitimate political capital while laying the groundwork for a renewed perspective on Bangladesh’s future? The overarching narrative of the February elections will not only shape the national agenda but could also signal a transformative chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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