Tariq Rahman’s return |
Tariq Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after seventeen years of exile in the UK before the demise of his mother, Khaleda Zia, is more than a political event; it could become a defining moment in the country’s recent political history. With Khaleda Zia no longer alive and her long-time political rival, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, in exile in India, Tariq Rahman’s entry comes at a rare and potentially transformative juncture for Bangladesh. The timing of his return, amid shifting political dynamics, makes it a critical test for both the BNP and the broader democratic fabric of the country. Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s political space has steadily narrowed. Opposition parties have weakened under sustained pressure, state institutions have faced increasing strain and concerns about electoral transparency have grown. Since the controversial 2014 elections, public trust in democracy has declined and politics has increasingly become a tool of control rather than genuine competition. In this context, Tariq Rahman’s return raises a central question: can Bangladesh restore its democratic balance and focus politics on public welfare rather than political survival?
Tariq Rahman embodies both a significant political legacy and a controversial leadership history. Supporters see him as a symbol of democratic values, inclusion and pluralism, while critics highlight past allegations of corruption and political misjudgments. His prolonged exile, marginalization from domestic politics and the death of his mother have shaped his worldview and political approach. These experiences could guide him........