Challenges Facing Tarique Rahman as Chairman of BNP

Mostafa Kamal Majumder

Mostafa Kamal Majumder

As Bangladesh approaches its 13th parliamentary election on February 12, 2026, the political spotlight has shifted decisively onto Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, and his dramatic return from 17 years of exile, Tarique now stands as both the de facto and de jure leader of the BNP. If the party secures victory, he will not only inherit the mantle of opposition leadership but also the responsibility of steering a nation at a crossroads.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) 

Tarique Rahman’s challenge is not simply political—it is historical. He must live up to the towering legacies of both his parents. His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a freedom fighter who declared Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and embodied honesty, patriotism, simplicity, and love for the people. As President, Zia rebuilt the economy on sound footing, united the country through Bangladeshi nationalism (as distinct from Bengali nationalism), and reformed institutions through consensus. His crowning achievements include the 1979 parliamentary election that brought all parties into the democratic fold, and the launch of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which gave Bangladesh a regional voice. Khaleda Zia, as the country’s first female Prime Minister, carried forward the project of national unity and economic rebuilding. In 1991, she introduced the parliamentary system of government with the consent of all parties, a landmark in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution. Together, they left Tarique with a legacy of nationalism, reform, and consensus-building—a standard against which he will inevitably be measured.

Bangladesh’s democratic institutions remain fragile after years of political turbulence. Tarique faces the dual task of rebuilding trust in governance while ensuring BNP’s internal cohesion. BNP has long struggled with factionalism, and he must unify disparate voices under a coherent vision. With the referendum on the “July Charter” reforms running alongside the election, he must convince voters that BNP can deliver both stability and reform. Given past allegations, Tarique must enforce strict party and administrative discipline to prove BNP can govern cleanly and credibly.

Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it a focal point for regional powers, and Tarique will need to navigate a delicate balance between India, China, and Western allies. Relations with India have historically been tense under BNP leadership, and he must decide whether to recalibrate or continue the cautious distance. Economic ties with China are deepening, but reliance on Beijing should not risk debt dependency. Meanwhile, the United States and European Union will expect democratic reforms and anti-corruption measures as conditions for deeper engagement.

The July Charter referendum represents a rare opportunity to reshape governance. Tarique’s challenge is to show that BNP can move beyond oppositional politics and deliver tangible reforms. Inflation, unemployment, and rural poverty demand urgent solutions. With half the population under 30, he must speak to aspirations of jobs, education, and digital opportunity. Fully restoring judicial independence and tackling corruption will be litmus tests of his credibility.

Ultimately, Tarique Rahman’s greatest challenge is personal transformation. From an exiled heir to two national leaders, he must demonstrate maturity, resilience, and vision. Already, there are signs of this transformation. Like his father, he dislikes being pampered and prefers simplicity and modesty. His brevity in delivering a restrained funeral speech for his mother reflected dignity rather than theatrics. He refused to be honoured by supporters touching his feet, signalling humility and a rejection of personality cults. These gestures, though symbolic, are powerful proofs of his maturity. If they translate into governance, the people can expect discipline, honesty, and great performance from him as a leader. His barefoot return to Dhaka was also symbolic, but symbolism alone will not suffice—what matters is whether these values of simplicity and modesty become the guiding principles of his leadership.

At the same time, Tarique must remain vigilant against the sycophants who have historically plagued Bangladesh’s political culture. These individuals, often instrumental in creating dictatorships, have enjoyed political and economic power at the expense of the average citizen and the national interest. Both Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia won the hearts of the people by proving their unfailing loyalty to the nation, its independence, and its sovereignty. Tarique must keep these lessons foremost in his mind, ensuring that his leadership remains rooted in service to the people rather than in the flattery of opportunists.

If BNP wins, Tarique will inherit a nation weary of political feuds and yearning for stability. The question is whether he can transcend the shadows of his past and rise as a statesman—or whether Bangladesh will see a continuation of its cyclical politics.

Bangladesh stands at a historic juncture. Tarique Rahman’s leadership will determine whether the country enters a new era of democratic renewal or remains trapped in the old cycle of rivalry and mistrust. The election on February 12 is not just about seats in parliament—it is a referendum on whether Tarique can shoulder the weight of history, match the towering legacies of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, and lead a nation forward with honesty, patriotism, discipline, and loyalty to its sovereignty.

(An experienced newspaper editor and researcher, the writer now edits the GreenWatch newsmagazine print edition and its online portal greenwatchbd.com)