Tarique Rahman, acting leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to lead the nation after his party’s sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, following his return from 17 years in exile.
Rise to Power
At 60, Rahman stepped into the spotlight after the deadly uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s regime 18 months ago, assuming BNP leadership upon returning to Dhaka in December 2025—days before his mother Khaleda Zia’s death at 80.
The US congratulated him on the “historic” win, though official results are pending; he vows to build on his parents’ legacy, including father Ziaur Rahman’s presidency.
Family Legacy and Early Life
Born before Bangladesh’s 1971 independence, Rahman was detained as a child during the war and grew up amid political turmoil, campaigning for his mother—a three-time PM—while navigating rivalry with the Awami League.
He told AFP he aims to “do better” than his parents, expressing mixed emotions over returning without hugging his ailing mother.
Controversies and Comeback
Shadowed by past US cables alleging corruption and violence, Rahman was arrested in 2007, fled to London in 2008, and denies politically motivated charges—including a 2004 grenade attack for which he was recently acquitted.
Now married with a lawyer daughter, he returned to a hero’s welcome with his cat Jebu, pledging to rebuild a “destroyed” economy.
