BNP chief Tarique Rahman emerges as new face of Bangladesh
Times of India
by AgenciesFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Less than two months after returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, BNP chief Tarique Rahman has emerged as the new face of Bangladesh’s political landscape. Once a fugitive facing corruption charges and convicted in absentia, Rahman’s dramatic return coincided with the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, paving the way for his rise to power. As the chairman of the BNP, a party previously on the brink of political oblivion, Rahman has swiftly repositioned himself as a leader advocating for peace, stability, and institutional reform. His ascent marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political dynamics, with many viewing him as a potential savior from the turmoil of the past.
Rahman’s journey is deeply tied to his family’s influence in Bangladeshi politics. The son of Ziaur Rahman, a key figure in the country’s independence movement, and the brother-in-law of Khaleda Zia, a long-time political leader, Rahman has navigated a complex web of personal and political challenges. After fleeing the country in 2008 amid allegations of corruption, he lived a quiet life in London while guiding the BNP from afar through virtual means. His return in December 2023 was met with a hero’s welcome, as many saw him as a symbol of resistance
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026