Tarique Rahman Poised to Become Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister
The landscape of Bangladeshi politics is shifting as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared victory in the recent parliamentary elections. This marks a significant event as it is the first election following the July 2024 uprising, which led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from the prime minister’s office.
Tarique Rahman Set to Lead Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman, the BNP leader, is on the brink of becoming Bangladesh’s next prime minister. At 60 years old, Rahman aims to build upon the legacy of his influential parents. He is the son of Ziaur Rahman, a former president of Bangladesh, and Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister.
Background of the Elections
- Date: July 2024 uprising led to the recent elections.
- Challenges: Jamaat-e-Islami, a significant rival party, accused the electoral process of inconsistencies.
- Casualties: Over 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the protests against Hasina’s regime.
Following the violent protests, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, prompting a shift in power dynamics within the country.
Tarique Rahman’s Political Journey
Tarique Rahman, also known as Tarique Zia, has a storied political history shaped by significant events. Born during the time of East Pakistan, he experienced the turmoil of the 1971 independence war and has often been noted as one of the youngest prisoners of war. His father’s rise to power after a 1975 coup deepened the rivalry between his family and the Hasina family.
- Ziaur Rahman: Influential figure and former president, assassinated in 1981.
- Khaleda Zia: Notable political figure and first female prime minister of Bangladesh.
Tarique’s childhood was spent in his mother’s political sphere, which molded his future involvement in politics. However, his career faced hurdles, including corruption charges that led to his arrest in 2007. He claimed these allegations were politically driven and ultimately sought asylum in London.
Return to Politics
Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December, following the death of his mother, to a warm public reception. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating the previous administration had “destroyed” the nation.
As he prepares to assume leadership, Rahman expressed a desire to make improvements, saying, “If there are any mistakes which were unwanted, we are sorry for that.” His commitment to building a better Bangladesh is evident as he steps into this pivotal role.
