Tarique Vows to Return, be With People During Polls

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that he will return to Bangladesh and stand with the people during the expected national election, expressing hope and determination to participate in what he called the “people’s desired polls.”

In his first interview in nearly two decades, given to BBC Bangla, Tarique Rahman said, “As a politician and a worker of a political party, I have always been closely connected with elections. When the expected election—the people’s expected polls—takes place, how can I stay away from it?”

He added, “I will be in Bangladesh during the upcoming national election, InShaAllah. I will try my best; I have the wish and the interest to be there with the people, among the people.”

The BNP leader, who has been living in London since 2008, also hinted that his return to Bangladesh has been delayed due to what he termed “reasonable reasons.”

When asked about the security concerns surrounding his possible return, Tarique Rahman replied, “For some reasonable reasons, maybe my return has been delayed.”

‘Will be there when people’s election happens’

Tarique Rahman emphasised that his political commitment lies with the people of Bangladesh and that he would not distance himself when the country enters what he called a truly participatory election.

He said he has been following the country’s political developments closely and remains deeply engaged with the party’s organisational work and strategic direction.

Tarique further remarked that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands firm in its demand for a free, fair, and credible election under a neutral administration—something he described as “essential for restoring democracy and people’s confidence in the political process.”

He reiterated that the BNP’s goal is not just to participate in an election, but to ensure that it reflects the people’s will, free from intimidation or manipulation.

A rare public statement

This interview marks the first major public statement by the BNP acting chairman since he went into self-exile in the United Kingdom. His remarks are being viewed by political observers as a signal of his intent to re-enter Bangladesh’s political arena at a time when the country’s next parliamentary election is being widely discussed.

Although Tarique did not give a specific timeline for his return, his assurance that he intends to be “with the people” during the expected polls has reignited speculation within political circles about his possible comeback.

Party insiders believe that his active participation could re-energise BNP supporters and reshape the dynamics of the coming election campaign.

Background

Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman, took over as the party’s acting chairman after his mother’s imprisonment in 2018. Since then, he has been leading the party’s activities from abroad, often addressing party events through virtual platforms.

Despite facing multiple legal cases in Bangladesh, Tarique continues to be a central figure in the BNP’s leadership and policymaking, often described as the party’s chief strategist.

As discussions over the next national polls intensify, his declaration that he will “be there with the people, among the people” is being seen as a symbolic message of political readiness and renewed commitment to Bangladesh’s democratic movement.