Bangladesh is bracing for the return of Tarique Rahman, an anti-India leader who flies home after a 17-year exile. This marks a significant milestone in the poll-bound country as the arrival of Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP, could alter political equations in the country.
Tarique Rahman is the son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman’s arrival also comes as his mother, chairperson of the BNP, is virtually out of mainstream politics due to her waning health. He has been leading the party in exile due to legal troubles, which include conviction by courts during the Sheikh Hasina government on multiple charges, including corruption, bribery, money laundering, illegal acquisition of wealth, and grenade attacks.
However, since the fall of the Hasina government, the legal hurdles before Rahman have been cleared, paving the way for his comeback. Though it was expected that he would return home in November, Rahman is said to have delayed his trip by over a month due to security issues plaguing the country.
Anti-India stance
Tarique Rahman is said to be vehemently anti-India and has vocalised his stance on several issues concerning foreign policy and the Teesta water-sharing agreement. Interestingly, Rahman is also not in favour of adopting a close relationship with Pakistan either. “Not Dilli, not Pindi, nor any other country. Bangladesh first," he said in May months after the fall of Hasina. His arrival also comes at a crucial time when radical Islamic groups are triggering chaos in the country.
Future
Bangladesh had two main parties: Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party. With the Awami League banned from taking part in elections, the route has been cleared for the return of the BNP. However, radical parties are attempting to delay the elections, hoping to reduce the BNP's support base and allow themselves to flourish.
If the BNP wins, Tariq could become Prime Minister, especially since he has been trying to portray himself and his party as the biggest advocates for the restoration of democracy. He has already outlined his campaign and announced programs to be implemented if he wins the election. At a recent party event, he said that "only democracy can lead the country out of this crisis, and it is the responsibility of every BNP worker to strengthen the foundations of democracy."
