Tarique Rahman’s return needs a firm commitment to repairing the state

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to the country today (December 25) after a long 18-year exile. His return is not just a homecoming for a top leader of a political party, rather, it is a very significant and far-reaching event in the current unstable political context of Bangladesh.

In the changed Bangladesh after the mass uprising of the students and the masses, Tarique Rahman faces just as the door to great possibilities has opened, he will also have to face mountain-like challenges. The news of Tarique’s return to the country has breathed a new life into the party’s grassroots leaders and activists.

Having someone who has not been seen for a long time in person will undoubtedly add momentum to BNP’s election campaign. The enthusiasm to lead from the front like a commander can have an impact on voters, especially the younger generation.

However, the conflicts to exert influence that are being seen in various areas centered on the nominations for the elections, his first challenge is to crack down on it with a firm hand. Besides, he has also to deal with external conspiracies and internal instability.

The big test for this is to repair the cracks in national unity that have emerged since August 5 and create an inclusive political environment. Analysts believe that the deposed dictatorship and specific interested groups may be involved in attempts to sabotage the election. Even the biggest challenge may await after the elections.

If the BNP wins the people’s vote and forms the government, the main task will be to rebuild the crumbling state institutions. Over the past decade and a half, the fascist Hasina government had destroyed all state institutions including judiciary and law and order.

It is worth noting that Tarique Rahman himself has outlined the ’31-point’ programme of state repair at various times. Now state power is needed to turn those promises into reality. Let’s not forget that the people of the country are now much more aware; they don’t just want a change of power, rather, they expect qualitative political change. Tarique must prove that they are capable of learning from the mistakes of the past and building a modern, accountable, and tolerant political culture.

Will he limit himself to being just a party leader, or will he pull the country out of the rubble as a statesman – that will depend on his patience, foresight, and determination to repair the state. To navigate the difficult path ahead, he will need to place greater emphasis on greater unity.