Bangladesh is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the country’s first woman to hold the office and a towering figure who shaped national politics for decades. Her passing marks the end of an era defined by intense rivalry and political polarisation. At the same time, it signals the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter for the country.
Tarique Rahman’s Timed Return
Just days before Khaleda Zia’s death, her son Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile and announced his decision to contest the upcoming elections. His re-entry into active politics comes as Bangladesh prepares for its first polls since Sheikh Hasina’s exit from power, making the moment politically sensitive and symbolically powerful.
From Exile to Electoral Politics
Tarique Rahman’s return is more than a personal homecoming. It represents a calculated political reset for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. For over a decade, Rahman led the party from London as acting chairman. By stepping into the electoral arena, he is attempting to convert inherited authority into direct democratic legitimacy, marking a decisive shift from remote leadership to hands-on politics.
A Vacuum in National Leadership
The timing of Rahman’s move is critical. Sheikh Hasina is out of power and out of the country, while the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus is navigating Bangladesh through political and economic instability. In this vacuum, the BNP has emerged as the only nationwide political force with organisational depth, and Khaleda Zia’s death has added a strong sympathy factor that could mobilise voters and energise party cadres.
Minority Rights in Focus
Minority rights have emerged as a key concern ahead of the elections. With rising reports of violence against religious minorities, Rahman’s assurances of safety and equality are being closely watched. For communities affected by recent unrest, these commitments could play a decisive role in shaping political trust and voter behaviour, though their credibility will ultimately depend on action rather than rhetoric.
The End of One Era, the Start of Another
Khaleda Zia’s death closes a political chapter dominated by her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. What lies ahead may be a more fragmented political landscape, but also one that allows space for recalibration and new leadership dynamics. Tarique Rahman’s decision to contest elections signals that the BNP intends not just to survive this transition, but to define it.
