Despite four years of exile and political challenges, Tarique Rahman united the BNP and generated a new wave of support among young voters. The party's historic victory in the 2026 general elections demonstrated its strategic ability and charismatic leadership. Today, he will be sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a new political era in the country.
A new chapter is beginning in Bangladeshi politics. Bangladesh, which has long revolved around the ideas of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is about to receive a new Prime Minister in Tarique Rahman after 35 years. However, Rahman's journey has not been easy. Despite four years of exile and political challenges, Tarique Rahman strongly united the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and generated a new wave of public support by attracting young voters.
Furthermore, the party's historic victory in the 2026 general elections highlighted his strategic ability and charismatic leadership. Subsequently, today, Tuesday, Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This moment has become a symbol of his political journey in Bangladesh.
First, understand why Rahman's journey has been difficult.
For decades, Bangladesh's politics has revolved around two main dynastic political ideologies: the legacy of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Consequently, the BNP's victory in the 2026 elections and Tarique Rahman's emerging role indicate that the country's leadership may be entering a new political era.
Where did Rahman receive his education?
Born on November 20, 1965, Tarique Rahman is a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the party's chairman. He leads the party's highest political unit. After completing his primary education at BAF Shaheen College in Dhaka, he pursued further studies at Dhaka Residential Model College. His higher education was completed at Dhaka University. It was from here that he began to play an active role in politics.
He comes from a political family deeply rooted in Bangladesh's history. His father, Ziaur Rahman, was a prominent President of Bangladesh and a prominent freedom fighter, who was assassinated in 1981. He also has a younger brother, Arafat Rahman (Coco). His mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, served as Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996 and as the BNP's chief chairperson from 2001 to 2006. From the early days of his political career, Tarique has been involved in his family's politics and has played a lasting role within the BNP.
Tareq was jailed at the age of four.
Tarique Rahman, often referred to as Tarique Zia in Bangladeshi politics, is known by his family name. He was only four years old during the 1971 Liberation War and was briefly detained. For this reason, his party, the BNP, honors him as one of the youngest prisoners of war. His political identity is also linked to this family and historical background. Struggles at a young age and family legacy made him a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics.
Emergence as a Top Leader
Rahman entered active politics in 2001 at the age of 35 and reached a senior position in the BNP in 2002. His rapid rise was criticized by the opposition as nepotism, but he was recognized for his organizational strategizing and firm leadership. Despite not holding a formal position, he established a strong hold on the party, becoming acting president, and then, after Khaleda's death on December 30, assumed the position of BNP president.
Legal Cases and Controversies
During the Awami League regime, Rahman was convicted in absentia in several cases, including corruption, money laundering, illegal assets, and an alleged conspiracy to assassinate then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was also detained for 17 months. Rahman denied these allegations as politically motivated. He was arrested in 2007 on corruption charges. He alleged mental and physical torture in prison.
Self-exile in London and all
After the Awami League's landslide victory in 2008, he moved to London for treatment, where he lived for nearly 17 years. He maintained control over the party's strategy and organization, a situation considered unusual in South Asian politics. Interestingly, Tarique Rahman has never been a member of the national parliament. His influence stems not from electoral office but from organizational control, family legacy, and party leadership.
When did Tarique Rahman earn the nickname "Dark Prince"?
For his supporters, Tarique Rahman symbolizes the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and the restoration of competitive democracy. For critics, he represents unresolved questions about dynastic politics and accountability. Tarique Rahman earned the nickname 'Dark Prince' when the BNP-led coalition – with Jamaat-e-Islami – was in power.
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