Interview/ Dr Ziauddin Hyder, adviser to the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party
SENIOR LEADERS LIKE former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia have served as stabilising anchors for Bangladesh as the country emerges from the violent breakdown of its democratic system after the student-led protests of 2024. Khaleda, who rose to prominence after the turbulence that followed the 1981 assassination of her husband, president Ziaur Rahman, is passing her political legacy to her son Tarique Rahman, who has lived in exile in London since 2008. The shift to a new generation places Tarique at the centre of public expectations. His return to Dhaka will determine how effectively he can turn widespread frustration into political direction ahead of the elections in February. Dr Ziauddin Hyder, adviser to the BNP chairperson, says the whole country is waiting for him. He says the BNP’s poll campaign will begin with a rally to honour the 1971 liberation war, Ziaur Rahman’s role and the sacrifices of thousands of freedom fighters. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Q/ How is Begum Khaleda Zia’s health, and how are people in Bangladesh coping with the concern surrounding her condition?
Our leader, Khaleda Zia, has been suffering from multiple health issues and her condition remains critical and fragile. But, from the sources I know, most of her indicators improved from the day before yesterday to yesterday. We are hopeful that soon she will be able to travel to London to join her family—her son, our leader and acting chairman, and daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida—who have both been working 24 hours to ensure that Mrs Zia’s treatment is well coordinated. They are drawing on expertise from around the world, including doctors from London, doctors from the US, and her personal medical team in Dhaka.
Q/ Who are the immediate family members with her in Dhaka, and are there plans for Tarique Rahman to return given his mother’s health and the upcoming elections?
Her brother, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews are in Dhaka. She has her personal medical team, coordinated by Dr Zahid Hossain, who is also a member of the BNP standing committee. As our standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed noted, Tarique Rahman, our acting chair, may return anytime soon. The entire country is waiting. But of course, the final decision will be made by the family.
Q/ Tarique Rahman has hinted at uncontrollable factors delaying his return.
Of course, there are multiple reasons. And I am sure there are substantive reasons for him to make his decision. Nobody ignores the security threat, not even the government. The government has to do everything to ensure there is enough confidence and that unforeseeable and unknown risks are controlled.
Q/ The political landscape is shifting rapidly with the Jamaat-e-Islami projected as a close second in some polls. When will the BNP start its full election campaign?
The BNP is the largest political party in the country. And the BNP is a pro-people, pro-election party. We believe that as soon as the schedule is declared, the campaign will begin in every constituency. Once the campaign begins nationwide, many of the ongoing rumours will fade away. The entire country will move onto the election track, and we look forward to a peaceful, participatory election in the first half of February.
Q/ What is Tarique Rahman’s reform vision?
Tarique Rahman launched the 31-point reform agenda in 2022, which includes all the reforms that the interim government has tried to spearhead. After months of campaigning, we realised that while people value institutional, constitutional and electoral reforms, what they value most is what will happen in their daily lives.
They want to know how health care will improve, what will happen to their children’s education and employment, how the country will tackle climate change, how farmers will benefit and how women will be empowered. Under Tarique’s leadership, the BNP prioritised eight sectors—health, education, employment, agriculture, social protection, environment and support for imams, war veterans and religious leaders.
The BNP’s campaign will be future-oriented, positive and development-focused. We want to explain to people how the BNP will add value to their lives—bringing primary health care close to their homes, reducing catastrophic health expenses, improving specialised care through public–private partnerships, reforming education to align with industry needs, prioritising women’s needs, upgrading skills for youth and global job markets, planting 25 crore fruit and medicinal trees, improving irrigation through canal-digging and more.
Q/ The people demand participatory and transparent elections. How can this be ensured, especially with the Awami League leadership under trial?
The Awami League and the trial of Sheikh Hasina are matters under the judiciary. I do not want to comment because the verdict has already been declared, and we do not know what the next steps will be. But if Awami League leaders are charged with atrocities, murder and crimes against humanity, I don’t think people will support them. The government has already declared that Awami League cannot conduct political activities until all trials are completed, criminals brought to justice and verdicts delivered. So I do not want to comment on their political participation before that due process is completed.
Q/ The Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to rebrand itself.
I recall the Jamaat chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman at an event in the US apologising to the people of Bangladesh for their actions since 1947. But I don’t think that statement is clear enough. It has to be more precise. They must clearly explain what the Jamaat did in 1971 during our war of liberation, the war crimes committed, and present a clear apology to the nation. A general statement is not sufficient, especially for the new generation, who will not be convinced.
Q/ There are concerns about rising extremism. How do you balance protecting secular culture with accommodating religious practices?
Historically, Bangladesh is a secular country. We have a long history of coexistence among Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. I don’t see how Bangladesh can move away from that deeply rooted cultural and social fabric. Yes, there are isolated incidents, but if we remain united and ensure a peaceful transition to democracy, we can avoid such threats.
Q/ There are reports of increased Pakistani engagement, especially a revival of military ties.
I am not aware of deeper military engagement with Pakistan. But in general, Bangladesh believes in balanced, issue-based relationships with all neighbours. There is no open ticket for anything; everything depends on diplomatic engagement, and it must remain balanced.
Q/ How do you see the student leaders of the July uprising shaping politics now?
The July uprising included a huge number of participants from the BNP’s student wing, Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal. Another large section came from non-political backgrounds. After the uprising, some joined the government and others formed the National Citizen Party. We believe in fair opportunity for everyone. The BNP will support the democratic transition.
Q/ How prepared is the interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus for elections in early February?
Professor Yunus has repeatedly said that he wants to see the best election in Bangladesh’s history. I want to believe him. We are hopeful that there will be a fair, participatory and peaceful election in the first half of February.
Q/ Since the July–August 2024 events, what has changed in Bangladesh’s political climate?
The first big change is that now I can say what I feel without fear of being abducted at night. People can write without fear. Another major change is people’s expectations, especially the youth. They no longer want negative politics. They want positive politics.
Q/ How significant is 1971 for Bangladesh, especially amid claims made during the student-led protests that Bangladesh’s history begins in 2024?
1971 remains the major pillar of our country. The 1971 liberation war and the sacrifices of our president Ziaur Rahman come together. That is why we decided to begin our campaign with the Bijoyer Mashe Bijoy Mashal victory rally to highlight 1971, Ziaur Rahman’s contributions and the sacrifices of thousands of freedom fighters. 2024 is important, but comparing it with 1971 would be inappropriate.