From exile to home, Tarique’s plan to lead country
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years marks a decisive political moment that goes beyond personal homecoming and signals a shift in political ecosystem at a time of national uncertainty and transition.
His political ascent began from the centre of power in the early 2000s, when, as the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, he emerged rapidly as a key organiser and strategist within the BNP’s central structure.
But that trajectory was abruptly interrupted in 2007, when a military-backed caretaker government took charge amid a deep political crisis and launched a sweeping anti-corruption drive to reshape the political landscape.
Tarique Rahman was arrested and tortured, later released, and subsequently left the country, a departure widely viewed at the time as temporary but which ultimately evolved into a prolonged exile in London.
However, exile fundamentally transformed the nature and thought of his leadership. From abroad, he assumed the role of acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and directed party affairs for more than a decade through intermediaries, digital communication and political messaging from a long distance.
He issued instructions, defined political positions and addressed party activists through video messages, while also engaging international media to frame the BNP’s narrative beyond the border of Bangladesh.
This remote leadership helped preserve the party’s continuity but also exposed its structural limits.
BNP remained a national force, yet organisational coordination weakened periodically, grassroots mobilisation became uneven and electoral participation was often constrained by political pressure and strategic boycotts.
During the Awami League rule, the opposition political parties especially BNP faced severe persecution including enforced disappearance, killings and legal battles against ghostly cases.
When BNP was squarely in disarray and crippled, Tarique was continuing to lead his party leaders and workers amid the repressive political environment.
But the whole political climate overturned when students rose up against the Awami League government over quota movement and toppled Sheikh Hasina government in a missive uprising last year. Hasina fled the country and took shelter in India.
Amid the vacuum of government, an Interim Government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus took charge, but the country remained tense, battling with political unrest, rising inflation, energy shortages, and administrative challenges.
Meanwhile, an election schedule for the 13th parliamentary poll has been announced and the government is going to hold the election in February 12 next year as per schedule.
Within this setting, Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on December 25, ending 17 years of exile amid heightened security arrangements and visible mobilisation by party supporters.
This return carries practical implications rather than symbolic weight alone because electoral politics in the country demand physical presence, organisational control requires direct command, and negotiation with political actors depends on engagement on the ground.
His return signals BNP’s intention to fully re-enter the electoral arena and contest power in a decisive way.
In addressing party leaders and supporters at July-36 Expressway, Tarique Rahman framed his political vision through a broader democratic reference, recalling “I Have a Dream”, the landmark public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for jobs and freedom on August 28, 1963, where King called for civil and economic rights and an end to legalised racism in the United States.
Drawing on that historical context, Tarique said ‘I have a plan’ to build a country based on equality, inclusion and dignity for all citizens. That framing raises expectations among the people as the country is facing the political vacuum of leadership.
On the electoral front, he must now translate long-held symbolic authority into credible national leadership, particularly for younger voters who have known him largely through mediated appearances rather than direct political engagement.
Economic pressure, governance failures, democratic aspirations as well as international politics and relations will require concrete positions rather than rhetoric alone.
On the organisational front, the challenge is more complex. Years of repression during Hasina government, inactivity and internal strain have stretched BNP’s structure, leaving gaps in discipline, coordination and mobilisation.
Tarique Rahman must manage senior figures, empower emerging organisers and convert enthusiasm into sustainable systems capable of contesting elections effectively.
His leadership style is also under renewed examination. Previously known as a behind-the-scenes operator, he must now lead openly and visibly in a volatile environment where missteps can quickly escalate political tensions.
Supporters interpret his return as evidence of perseverance and political endurance, arguing that sustaining a major party from exile required long-term strategic calculation.
Critics remain skeptical, questioning whether past confrontational tendencies will resurface and whether BNP under his leadership can offer a stable and inclusive governance alternative.
Many of his party stated that from exile, he has learned endurance, from distance, he has learned control and by his return, he must now implement his plan for building a safe and peaceful Bangladesh for all.
However, the coming months will test whether Tarique Rahman can broaden BNP’s appeal, strengthen organisational institutions and articulate a politics that balances mobilisation with reconciliation.