From Exile to Center Stage: Tarique Rahman’s Political Return

For nearly two decades, Tarique Rahman was both an active and invisible force in Bangladeshi politics. After going into self-imposed exile in London in 2008 amidst a military-backed caretaker administration that detained him for alleged corruption, Rahman observed his party struggle through fractured leadership and legal battles.

Now at the ripe age of sixty, Rahman stands on the precipice of becoming Bangladesh’s next prime minister. Less than two months after returning to Dhaka from years in exile, he has led a coalition backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) past the halfway point in parliamentary elections according to local projections. This moment marks a significant turnaround for the country’s often tumultuous political landscape and signals Rahman’s strikingly successful return as an influential figure.

The BNP’s resurgence is part of a broader shift in Bangladeshi politics, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, BNP’s founder and former president who was removed from power after a youth-led uprising and subsequently went into exile. This void allowed Rahman to reclaim a prominent role in party leadership.

Rahman’s earlier political career was defined by turbulence and conflict. From 2001 to 2006, he served as a senior figure within the BNP without holding an official government position. His tenure faced criticism for operating outside of established power structures. In 2008, Rahman himself found himself under pressure when his party was swept up in a broader anti-corruption crackdown. The detention forced him into exile, where he continued to shape political strategy from afar.

Years in the wilderness brought significant personal transformation. Exile not only served as refuge but also a period for reflection and recalibration. Rahman emerged with a more moderate demeanor, seeking reconciliation rather than retribution. “What does revenge bring?” he asked, emphasizing that Bangladesh needed peace and institutional strengthening over endless cycles of rivalries.

His return to Dhaka marked a new phase in his political career. He has personally overseen crucial aspects such as candidate selection, electoral strategy, and alliance-building within the party. This time, rather than operating from London, Rahman is now in direct control, setting a path for a potentially transformative presidency. His approach to governance is characterized by broader goals—restoring “people’s ownership of the state” and bolstering democratic accountability.

To this end, he advocates for constitutional reforms such as limits on prime ministerial terms—a measure aimed at curbing potential authoritarian tendencies. In foreign policy, Rahman commits to balancing Bangladesh’s international relationships without allying too closely with any single superpower. Economically, his focus includes fostering sectors beyond garment exports by promoting leather goods and toys, alongside expanding assistance for low-income families.

Rahman’s resurgence has been swift, leaving little time for introspection or second-guessing. “I don’t know how we have passed every minute since we landed,” he remarked in a recent interview with his daughter, a barrister who sits by his side during the conversation. Even fleeting glimpses of personal life, such as Rahman’s fondness for his Siberian cat named Jebu, hint at a softer, more accessible persona.

While his family’s legacy may have shaped his origins, Rahman insists that democracy will define his leadership. Whether this transformation extends beyond rhetoric into tangible governance remains to be seen.