Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to establish Bangladesh as a democratic welfare state if his party returns to power in the upcoming national elections.

“Fascism was defeated in the mass uprising led by students, workers, and the public in July, after a long history of struggle and sacrifice. Now, we must all move forward united,” Tarique declared in a virtual address to BNP allies from London on Friday.

The remarks came during a closed-door meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, bringing together leaders from the 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Bangladesh Labour Party. The meeting, lasting nearly two hours, focused on the current political landscape and future strategies, though no further details were disclosed.

Political observers have noted a significant transformation in Tarique Rahman’s approach. His recent decisive and prudent steps—such as banning the use of grandiose titles like 'Deshnayak' or 'Rashtranayak' for himself, and prohibiting birthday celebrations—signal a commitment to party discipline. Whether this marks a strategic recalibration or a broader shift in BNP’s outlook remains a key question.

Tarique’s leadership reflects a mature, focused mindset. Arrested during the One-Eleven period on 7 March 2007, he endured inhumane torture and stigma. After 18 months in detention, he was released on bail and left Bangladesh for medical treatment in the UK on 11 September 2008, where he remains in exile, running the party from London.

Despite his distance, Tarique has steadily risen in stature, mastering the nuances of politics in Britain, a cradle of democracy and civilisation. He keeps a sharp eye on Bangladesh’s political developments and takes timely decisions that strengthen national unity. His recent meeting with Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, interim government Chief Adviser, showcased this maturity and strategic insight, impressing some, surprising others, and making many party leaders cautious.

Unbeknownst to many, Tarique has maintained close contact with frontline student activists of the July-August movement, strategically encouraging unity and vigilance against divisive forces. He has enforced strict discipline within the party, imposing punishments including expulsions and suspensions for violations. This firm yet thoughtful leadership has gradually enhanced his stature, visible in his bold statements about electoral rights and political reform.

Tarique has asserted that guaranteeing the right to vote would eliminate dummy candidates and ensure political accountability. He advocates for the separation of judicial and political trials, calling for criminal offences to be tried in state courts while political disputes be settled politically. His calls for party members to remain connected to the people and avoid unpopular actions demonstrate a keen awareness of public sentiment and lessons from the ruling Awami League’s failures.

Since the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August last year amid the student-public uprising, Tarique has been at the political forefront, calling for peaceful victory celebrations and urging restraint to prevent revenge or lawlessness.

Despite constant propaganda, insults, and restrictions—including a ban on his return to Bangladesh and court injunctions limiting his speech—Tarique has advanced with remarkable resolve. His leadership since Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment in 2016 has been a beacon for BNP’s grassroots, inspiring hope and resilience.

He has played a key role in fostering post-uprising stability, urging calm and peaceful conduct among all parties, and smoothing the path for the interim government. His ongoing support for families affected by the student-public movement, along with humanitarian aid during floods, storms, and the pandemic, reflects a compassionate leadership style that many had not expected.

Much of Tarique’s social and educational support, particularly in Bogra, remains under-recognised. Despite multiple attempts to fragment the party, BNP has grown stronger under his stewardship. His personal losses have been profound—his brother Arafat Rahman Koko passed away, his mother Begum Khaleda Zia faced life-threatening health crises, and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman suffered persecution and defamation from the current government.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, a distinguished medical graduate from Dhaka Medical College, comes from a respected family with a legacy of service. Despite facing unjust dismissal and character attacks, Tarique remained undeterred. Some compare his exile in London to Khomeini’s exile in Paris, arguing it has only enhanced his ability to communicate his vision globally.

Tarique Rahman has become a symbol of trust and confidence among many in Bangladesh. Remarkably, leaders who once criticised him have fallen silent or even praised him in recent months. Since the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August last year amid the student-public uprising, Tarique has been at the political forefront, calling for peaceful victory celebrations and urging restraint to prevent revenge or lawlessness.

His historic meeting with Dr Muhammad Yunus in London on 13 June resolved election uncertainties, agreeing to postpone polls from December to February-April, restoring hope across the nation.

Bangladesh’s present political narrative increasingly revolves around Tarique Rahman. In these challenging times, his leadership, wisdom, and vision offer a path forward amid complexity and uncertainty.

(The writer Rayhan Ahmed Tapadar is a researcher and columnist. Contact: [email protected])