Who Is Tarique Rahman? Bangladesh’s ‘Crown Prince’ Lands After 17 Years – The Homecoming That Could Change EVERYTHING | World News
Who is Tarık Rahman? Bangladesh Crown Prince Returns to Country After 17 Years – A Homecoming That Could Change EVERYTHING
Tariq Rahman, the 60-year-old deputy leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khalidah Zia, ended his 17-year self-imposed exile in London and set foot in Dhaka. His return marks an important period in Bangladesh’s turbulent political environment.
Who is Tarık Rahman?
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Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of Bangladesh’s founding political figures, former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His father founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) before he was assassinated on 30 May 1981.
The 60-year-old actor completed his international relations studies at Dhaka University and entered politics at a young age. He came to prominence within the BNP when his mother was prime minister in the early 2000s. However, after the Awami League’s landslide victory in the 2008 general elections, Rahman went into self-imposed exile in London and remained there for nearly two decades.
Rahman is widely described as the “crown prince” of Bangladeshi politics and inherits the political legacy of both his parents. His mother, Khaleda Zia, is currently being treated in a private hospital due to various health problems.
Rahman Political Dynasty
Tarique Rahman’s father, Ziaur Rahman, was an influential political figure who played an important role in Bangladesh’s liberation war. He established the first civil administration in Roumari, an area recaptured from Pakistani forces, and was awarded Bir Uttam, Bangladesh’s second highest gallantry award, for his contributions to the liberation struggle.
Political Significance of Rahman’s Return
Rahman’s return home after 17 years is seen as a turning point in Bangladeshi politics. His arrival comes amid a political vacuum following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and exile to India following student-led protests in July last year.
Timing is very important. A poll conducted this month by the US-based International Republican Institute suggests the BNP could make big gains and secure the most seats in parliament in the February 12 elections.
Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil
The country has witnessed fresh unrest with violent killings gripping Bangladesh following the death of radical student leader Osman Hadi ahead of scheduled general elections. This adds to the instability that emerged after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government was ousted by the student-led violent movement known as the July Uprising on August 5, 2024.
The BNP emerged as a frontrunner in the general elections held in February after the fall of Hasina’s government. While it was stated that Rahman’s reason for returning was to visit his sick mother, political observers believe that he could be a major rival to Muhammad Yunus for the leadership of Bangladesh.
His return represents not only a family reunion but also the beginning of a potentially new political chapter for Bangladesh as the country prepares for crucial elections that could reshape its democratic future.
