The Return Of Bangladesh’s Prince, Tarique Rahman, After 17 Years: What It Means For India | India News
Tariq Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and long considered the “dark prince” of Bangladeshi politics, will return to Dhaka on Thursday after living in self-imposed exile for 17 years. His return comes weeks before the crucial February elections and marks a pivotal moment for both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the violence-plagued country.
For India, Rahman’s homecoming is politically significant. Bangladesh faces a volatile political climate, with the pro-India Awami League banned from contesting elections and Khaleda Zia hospitalized. Interim chief Mohammed Younis has struggled to contain radical Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, which is considered aligned with Pakistan’s ISI, which has regained political ground after being banned under Sheikh Hasina.
Latest opinion polls suggest the BNP is likely to win the most seats, but Jamaat remains a strong contender. The party’s student wing also made surprising gains in the Dhaka University elections, raising concerns in New Delhi.
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Why Is India Watching?
Despite historically tense relations, India sees the BNP as a more liberal and democratic option compared to the current interim government. A BNP victory could stabilize Bangladesh’s political environment and potentially reverse recent shifts in foreign policy. Under Hasina, Bangladesh maintained close ties with India and kept a cautious distance from China and Pakistan. Under Yunus, relations with Pakistan strengthened at the expense of Indian ties.
Rahman’s past criticisms of the Younis government, especially regarding its foreign policy decisions, and his refusal to ally with the Jamaat in the elections are welcomed in New Delhi. Earlier this year, Rahman outlined his “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, modeled on the US slogan “America First” and emphasizing national interests beyond alignment with India or Pakistan.
India also recently supported Khaleda Zia during her critical illness; This is a gesture warmly welcomed by the BNP.
Rahman’s Homecoming
Rahman, who has led the BNP from London since 2008, is expected to arrive in Dhaka at noon on Thursday. The party is planning a massive promotional tour from the airport to home, in which around 50 lakh supporters are expected to participate. He will also speak at a large rally.
Rahman is likely to contest from Bogura-6 (Sadar) seat, while Khaleda Zia will again stand from her stronghold Bogura-7 (Gabtali-Shajahanpur). Authorities maintained the highest level of security, with limited access to Dhaka airport and special trains bringing thousands of supporters to the capital.
“This will be a decisive political moment,” senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told Reuters.
Background of Tarique Rahman
Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman, has been living in London since 2008. During Sheikh Hasina’s regime, he faced multiple convictions that the BNP claimed were politically motivated. He was arrested in 2007 in a corruption case and suffered serious health problems while in custody. He was later released on bail and received permission to travel to London for medical treatment.
Rahman was also convicted in absentia for the bomb attack at an Awami League rally in Dhaka in 2004, which killed 24 people. Between 2001 and 2006, when he was in charge of the BNP, he was involved in corruption and financial irregularities, which earned him the nickname “the dark prince”.
Challenges Ahead
While Rahman’s return is expected to energize the BNP, he faces the task of uniting the party and attracting young voters in a country marred by protests and political violence. India will follow developments closely in the coming weeks.
