Tarique Rahman: From Life in Exile to the Position of PM

PM Tarique Rahman signing is oaths of office and secretary at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building on Tuesday.

After 17 years in exile in London, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman returned home and, within two months, assumed office as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh following his party’s landslide election victory.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of his family, including his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, were present at the ceremony, along with political leaders, foreign dignitaries and senior officials.

Earlier, BNP lawmakers unanimously elected Tarique Rahman as Leader of the House after being sworn in as members of the 13th Parliament, clearing the way for his appointment as prime minister. He now leads the country as head of government, following in the footsteps of his parents — BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman was arrested during the army-backed caretaker government and left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment, beginning a long period of political exile in the United Kingdom. During that time, the BNP remained out of power and faced significant political challenges.

He returned to Bangladesh on 25 December last year to a massive reception by supporters. Five days later, his mother Khaleda Zia died, after which he formally assumed leadership of the party and led it through the election campaign. His campaign centred on a reform agenda and the slogan “Bangladesh First,” emphasising stability, accountability and economic recovery.

During the campaign, he engaged extensively with young voters and pledged to combat corruption, restore law and order and strengthen democratic institutions. He also held dialogue with opposition parties after the election, signalling a willingness to pursue cooperative politics.

In the parliamentary polls held on 12 February, the BNP secured a commanding majority, returning to power after nearly two decades. Tarique Rahman retained the Dhaka-17 seat while vacating Bogura-6, where a by-election will be held.

His rise from exile to the country’s highest executive office marks one of the most dramatic political comebacks in Bangladesh’s history.