In a swift move marking a new chapter for Bangladesh’s opposition politics, Tarique Rahman, son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has assumed leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The party’s Standing Committee unanimously approved his appointment as chairman during a late-night meeting at their Gulshan office in Dhaka.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the decision to reporters, emphasizing the consensus among committee members. This transition follows Zia’s recent passing, leaving a leadership vacuum in one of Bangladesh’s major political forces.
Tarique’s political journey began alongside his mother during the anti-Ershad protests in the late 1980s. He joined the BNP formally in 1988 as a general member of the Gabtali upazila unit. By 1991, he was campaigning across districts with Zia ahead of national elections.
His efforts to democratize party structures shone in 1993 when he organized a conference in Bogura district, electing leaders via secret ballot—a model he promoted nationwide. Elevated to senior joint secretary in 2002, Tarique spearheaded grassroots conferences in 2005, consulting upazila units countrywide.
Political fortunes turned grim in 2007 during the military-backed ‘1/11’ caretaker government; he was arrested and later exiled for medical treatment. Returning on December 25, 2025, after 17 years abroad, Tarique had been named acting chairman in 2018 following his mother’s imprisonment.
This leadership shift comes at a pivotal moment for the BNP, long sidelined by the Awami League’s dominance. Supporters view Tarique as a bridge between legacy and renewal, poised to rally against the ruling establishment. As Bangladesh navigates economic pressures and political tensions, the BNP’s resurgence under Rahman could reshape the opposition landscape.