Monday, 01 September, 2025
On the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on sunday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national service and safeguarding public trust.
Posting from London, where he has lived in self-exile for 16 years, Tarique extended greetings to party leaders, activists, and supporters across Bangladesh, underlining his dedication to the party’s founding ideals.
Recalling that the late President Ziaur Rahman established BNP on September 1, 1978, with the vision of uniting the people under nationalist principles, Tarique described the day as one of “joy, enthusiasm, and inspiration” for Bangladeshis.
“The party is committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, ensuring territorial integrity, and consolidating multi-party democracy,” he said.
Highlighting the sacrifices of numerous leaders and activists who fought for the restoration of democracy, Tarique positioned BNP as a vigilant guardian of national independence.
However, the July Uprising of 2024 has reshaped political expectations. Citizens increasingly demand governance free from extortion, nepotism, and violence. For BNP, relevance depends on tangible reform.
Questions remain: can the party break entrenched patterns of corruption, muscle power, and dynastic politics? Can it cultivate credible leaders capable of inspiring confidence both domestically and internationally?
Analysts suggest that despite past setbacks, BNP retains potential.
Disillusionment with rival parties and failures of smaller groups have created a rare opening. The success will depend on decisive internal reform, grassroots rebuilding, and the projection of ethical, forward-looking leadership.
Charismatic Leadership from Exile
Tarique Rahman’s leadership from London has been marked by a combination of charisma, strategic communication, and political vision. Despite the physical distance, he has remained the symbolic centre of BNP, issuing directives, addressing rallies virtually, and projecting a message of renewal.
Supporters praise his ability to inspire loyalty and unify factions, portraying him as the figure capable of steering BNP through a turbulent political landscape.
However, leading from exile brings inherent challenges. Critics argue that his detachment from the grassroots limits organisational cohesion and credibility. The need to navigate internal party dynamics, manage rival ambitions of veteran leaders, and connect with younger, more politically aware voters has intensified.
Moreover, Tarique must address the perception of being a controversial figure associated with past corruption allegations, a narrative that continues to shadow both his image and the party’s public standing.
A Tumultuous Political Legacy
BNP was founded by Ziaur Rahman to implement a 19-point programme aimed at building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Emerging in the post-independence era of political chaos, famine, and authoritarian rule under BAKSAL, BNP quickly positioned itself as a defender of multi-party democracy and civil liberties.
Zia’s tenure transformed a famine-stricken nation into one achieving near self-sufficiency in food, rising foreign exchange reserves, and opportunities for migrant workers. His assassination in 1981, however, created a leadership vacuum that his widow, Khaleda Zia, stepped into, becoming Bangladesh’s first female prime minister.
Khaleda’s tenure (1991–1996, briefly in 1996, and 2001–2006) was marked by economic growth but also by confrontational politics with the Awami League, street agitations, hartals, and election boycotts, which eroded public trust in both major parties.
During BNP’s second government, Tarique emerged as a central figure, later facing arrest and subsequent exile after the 2007 military-backed caretaker government’s anti-graft campaign.
Current Challenges: Relevance, Reform, and Renewal
Since the Awami League returned to power in 2009, BNP has struggled with organisational disarray, repeated election boycotts, and disconnect from younger voters. Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment in 2018 and her prolonged illness left the party directionless.
Tarique’s leadership from London, while charismatic, must contend with several key challenges:
Reform or Repeat?
The July Uprising of 2024 has reshaped political expectations. Citizens increasingly demand governance free from extortion, nepotism, and violence. For BNP, relevance depends on tangible reform.
Will the party break entrenched patterns of corruption, muscle power, and dynastic politics? Can it cultivate credible leaders capable of inspiring confidence both domestically and internationally?
Political analysts note that despite past setbacks, BNP retains potential. Disillusionment with rival parties and failures of minor parties have created a rare window for the party to reclaim public support. Success, however, hinges on decisive internal reform, grassroots rebuilding, and an ability to demonstrate ethical, forward-looking leadership.
The Road Ahead
BNP’s journey from Zia to Tarique reflects the broader challenges of Bangladeshi democracy: personalized leadership, dynastic politics, and fragile institutions.
Tarique Rahman’s exile leadership embodies both promise and peril. If he can combine charisma with organizational discipline, policy clarity, and ethical governance, BNP may reclaim its position as a credible alternative.
As Bangladesh approaches the next general election, the central question is whether Tarique Rahman can transform BNP into a party capable of leading a new political era—or whether it will remain trapped in the shadows of its turbulent past.
If he become the Prime Minister, the foremost challenge for him will be confronting the deep-rooted corruption embedded in society and addressing the political influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP’s former ally and a well-organised fundamentalist party grounded in Islamic ideology. Success will depend on strategic thinking rather than emotional rhetoric, requiring capable, visionary leaders rather than sycophants—the same individuals who once drove the ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina to flee to India following the July Uprising.
So, the BNP’s 47th anniversary is more than a reflection on history; it is a pivotal moment for the party to decide whether it will chart a course toward renewal or repeat the mistakes that have long constrained its potential.
Comments
On the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on sunday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national service and safeguarding public trust.
Posting from London, where he has lived in self-exile for 16 years, Tarique extended greetings to party leaders, activists, and supporters across Bangladesh, underlining his dedication to the party’s founding ideals.
Recalling that the late President Ziaur Rahman established BNP on September 1, 1978, with the vision of uniting the people under nationalist principles, Tarique described the day as one of “joy, enthusiasm, and inspiration” for Bangladeshis.
“The party is committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, ensuring territorial integrity, and consolidating multi-party democracy,” he said.
Highlighting the sacrifices of numerous leaders and activists who fought for the restoration of democracy, Tarique positioned BNP as a vigilant guardian of national independence.
However, the July Uprising of 2024 has reshaped political expectations. Citizens increasingly demand governance free from extortion, nepotism, and violence. For BNP, relevance depends on tangible reform.
Questions remain: can the party break entrenched patterns of corruption, muscle power, and dynastic politics? Can it cultivate credible leaders capable of inspiring confidence both domestically and internationally?
Analysts suggest that despite past setbacks, BNP retains potential.
Disillusionment with rival parties and failures of smaller groups have created a rare opening. The success will depend on decisive internal reform, grassroots rebuilding, and the projection of ethical, forward-looking leadership.
Charismatic Leadership from Exile
Tarique Rahman’s leadership from London has been marked by a combination of charisma, strategic communication, and political vision. Despite the physical distance, he has remained the symbolic centre of BNP, issuing directives, addressing rallies virtually, and projecting a message of renewal.
Supporters praise his ability to inspire loyalty and unify factions, portraying him as the figure capable of steering BNP through a turbulent political landscape.
However, leading from exile brings inherent challenges. Critics argue that his detachment from the grassroots limits organisational cohesion and credibility. The need to navigate internal party dynamics, manage rival ambitions of veteran leaders, and connect with younger, more politically aware voters has intensified.
Moreover, Tarique must address the perception of being a controversial figure associated with past corruption allegations, a narrative that continues to shadow both his image and the party’s public standing.
A Tumultuous Political Legacy
BNP was founded by Ziaur Rahman to implement a 19-point programme aimed at building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Emerging in the post-independence era of political chaos, famine, and authoritarian rule under BAKSAL, BNP quickly positioned itself as a defender of multi-party democracy and civil liberties.
Zia’s tenure transformed a famine-stricken nation into one achieving near self-sufficiency in food, rising foreign exchange reserves, and opportunities for migrant workers. His assassination in 1981, however, created a leadership vacuum that his widow, Khaleda Zia, stepped into, becoming Bangladesh’s first female prime minister.
Khaleda’s tenure (1991–1996, briefly in 1996, and 2001–2006) was marked by economic growth but also by confrontational politics with the Awami League, street agitations, hartals, and election boycotts, which eroded public trust in both major parties.
During BNP’s second government, Tarique emerged as a central figure, later facing arrest and subsequent exile after the 2007 military-backed caretaker government’s anti-graft campaign.
Current Challenges: Relevance, Reform, and Renewal
Since the Awami League returned to power in 2009, BNP has struggled with organisational disarray, repeated election boycotts, and disconnect from younger voters. Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment in 2018 and her prolonged illness left the party directionless.
Tarique’s leadership from London, while charismatic, must contend with several key challenges:
Reform or Repeat?
The July Uprising of 2024 has reshaped political expectations. Citizens increasingly demand governance free from extortion, nepotism, and violence. For BNP, relevance depends on tangible reform.
Will the party break entrenched patterns of corruption, muscle power, and dynastic politics? Can it cultivate credible leaders capable of inspiring confidence both domestically and internationally?
Political analysts note that despite past setbacks, BNP retains potential. Disillusionment with rival parties and failures of minor parties have created a rare window for the party to reclaim public support. Success, however, hinges on decisive internal reform, grassroots rebuilding, and an ability to demonstrate ethical, forward-looking leadership.
The Road Ahead
BNP’s journey from Zia to Tarique reflects the broader challenges of Bangladeshi democracy: personalized leadership, dynastic politics, and fragile institutions.
Tarique Rahman’s exile leadership embodies both promise and peril. If he can combine charisma with organizational discipline, policy clarity, and ethical governance, BNP may reclaim its position as a credible alternative.
As Bangladesh approaches the next general election, the central question is whether Tarique Rahman can transform BNP into a party capable of leading a new political era—or whether it will remain trapped in the shadows of its turbulent past.
If he become the Prime Minister, the foremost challenge for him will be confronting the deep-rooted corruption embedded in society and addressing the political influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP’s former ally and a well-organised fundamentalist party grounded in Islamic ideology. Success will depend on strategic thinking rather than emotional rhetoric, requiring capable, visionary leaders rather than sycophants—the same individuals who once drove the ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina to flee to India following the July Uprising.
So, the BNP’s 47th anniversary is more than a reflection on history; it is a pivotal moment for the party to decide whether it will chart a course toward renewal or repeat the mistakes that have long constrained its potential.
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