3 February 2026
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Tarique Rahman: The heartbeat of democratic Bangladesh

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Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM
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Tarique Rahman: The heartbeat of democratic Bangladesh
  Bangla Press Desk: BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is not merely a prominent figure within the country’s principal opposition party. He is, to many, the ultimate destination for Bangladesh’s democracy-loving populace. A steadfast believer in democratic principles, he embodies and practices those ideals in both his politics and personal commitment. In the vacuum left by the decline of participatory politics in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman remains the only political leader today with the credibility, will, and record to restore and uphold true democracy. Following the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia, the only politician in the region who, like her, bears the democratic standard in both conviction and action, Tarique Rahman stands as a pivotal figure in South Asian democratic struggle. A natural democrat by upbringing and ideology, his leadership is not just a political necessity; it is a moral one. The people owe it to themselves to nurture and protect this leader, just as he assumes responsibility for the aspirations of the people. Without him, the democratic future of Bangladesh appears precarious. Academically, democracy derives from the Greek terms “demos” (people) and “kratos” (rule). As per Abraham Lincoln’s famed definition, it is “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Aristotle framed it more simply as the collective freedom of citizens. Bangladesh has seen this freedom repeatedly stifled – each time rekindled through mass movements led by the BNP, often at great cost. Following the collapse of the one-party BAKSAL regime in 1975, Ziaur Rahman institutionalised the return to multi-party democracy, culminating in the 1979 general election – the first credible democratic exercise in the post-BAKSAL era. Later, Khaleda Zia led the movement that unseated autocrat HM Ershad and reinstated electoral politics.
Today, history seems to repeat itself: Tarique Rahman stands poised to restore democracy in the country after ousting yet another authoritarian government – this time under Sheikh Hasina. The people’s uprising on 5 August 2024 was not merely a protest; it was a turning point. People attain leadership in various ways – some through family lineage, some through their inherent qualities, and sometimes people elevate someone to a leadership position. Tarique Rahman has gained leadership through multiple avenues. He possesses unique qualities that have brought him to this position today. Since the fall of the Awami League’s authoritarian regime, Bangladesh has embarked once again on the path of democracy. Yet that road remains riddled with obstacles, including conspiracies and persecution targeting the BNP and its leadership. Tarique Rahman suffered unspeakable torture under the military-backed Fakhruddin-Moeenuddin regime in 2007, leaving him near death. Forced to seek urgent medical treatment, he has lived in exile in London since, but his political fight has continued unrelentingly. A good leader is inevitable for establishing and sustaining a good democracy by maintaining the process, ensuring participation of all, and protecting democratic values. Such leaders play a crucial role by promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity – qualities that are essential for democracy. Tarique Rahman has all the necessary attributes to reestablish and uphold democracy in the country. Democracy is in his blood. From the outset, Tarique Rahman could have claimed any senior position in the party – his mother was the chairperson after all. But instead, he began his political journey from the grassroots, travelling from village to village, listening to ordinary people, engaging party loyalists, and understanding their frustrations. Through these efforts, he built genuine popularity – something that attracted the wrath of anti-democratic forces who used propaganda and state institutions to attempt to erase him from political relevance. They failed. Since 2007, the BNP and its political allies have struggled under relentless repression. Thousands of BNP activists have been subjected to enforced disappearance, several thousand others were killed by the terrorists from the then ruling party and government forces, and many times more were detained on politically motivated charges during the past fascist regime.
Tarique Rahman has not only endured the death of his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, during this period of exile, but has also watched his mother be imprisoned under controversial circumstances. Yet, from abroad, he has held the party together with discipline and vision. His positive, liberal attitude toward differing opinions – and his ability to accept criticism – was evident when he personally shared a satirical cartoon of himself. “If the country’s democratic foundation is to be strengthened, BNP must play a leading role. The party’s path will be to reach a solution through dialogue, showing tolerance and respect for dissent,” he said. “Personally, I and my party believe that there is no alternative to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. Democracy is a universal value that recognizes the free expression of people’s thoughts and unhindered expression. We are determined to build such a safe, progressive and democratic Bangladesh that will contribute to global democratic development,” he added. His leadership reached new heights with the announcement of a 31-point state reform programme – an ambitious roadmap to rebuild the republic on principles of transparency, decentralisation, rule of law, and public ownership. This bold declaration, made under the shadow of autocratic suppression, proved that Tarique Rahman remains a visionary democratic leader. He further declared that a future BNP-led government would be a national unity government – comprising all parties involved in the anti-fascist movement. That alone is testament to his inclusive and democratic mindset. Significantly, these proposals were never imposed. He kept them open for national debate, proving once again that he believes in dialogue, not decrees. After the regime’s fall on 5 August 2024, Tarique Rahman played a vital role in maintaining national unity and order, avoiding the chaos many feared. The conspiracies, however, have not ceased. In fact, they intensified after his recent meeting with interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in London, during which it was agreed that a general election will be held before Ramadan next or by February 2026 at the latest. This has triggered panic among anti-democratic quarters, who fear the inevitable return of popular rule.
Smear campaigns have resumed in full force, yet Tarique Rahman remains unshaken. As he declared, “On behalf of BNP, I would like to say loudly that BNP believes that the people of Bangladesh are the source of all power. BNP believes in the existence of the people of Bangladesh. BNP believes in the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. BNP believes that Bangladesh is the first and last destination.” He has urged BNP leaders and supporters to stay rooted in the people’s trust, to earn their hearts through good deeds and moral conviction. “Win the hearts of the people. Earn the people’s trust and love,” he implores. During the long struggle against fascism, Tarique Rahman regularly engaged with grassroots activists and leaders to understand their hardships. He inspired them, secretly supported them, and never left their side. These quiet acts of solidarity earned him the deep trust and loyalty of party workers. As a result, he has not only become the nucleus of BNP leadership but has also emerged as a political icon for Bangladesh’s youth. If democracy is not restored promptly, Bangladesh risks descending into the hands of foreign imperialist agendas and religious extremism – both of which thrive in political vacuums. The enemies of democracy, internal and external, are plotting to prevent Bangladesh from reclaiming its democratic voice. It is in this context that Tarique Rahman emerges as the only credible vanguard of people’s power. Tarique Rahman is a leader who holds no alternative address beyond Bangladesh – both literally and politically. In his own words, “I have no address outside Bangladesh. This country is my address. This country is my first address. This country is my last address. Therefore, we will make all kinds of efforts for this country, for the love of the people of this country.” These are not just emotional declarations; they reflect his unwavering commitment to the nation’s future, despite years in exile. There are countless reasons why Tarique Rahman has become a pivotal figure in the fight for democracy in Bangladesh, but to keep the discussion concise, it may suffice to say this: in today’s South Asia, and indeed in the broader democratic world, Tarique Rahman’s name resonates as a destination for those who long for genuine, participatory governance. If the people of Bangladesh, and those across the globe who cherish democracy, fail to protect and support leaders like him, the very essence of democratic rights and civil empowerment may be at risk. To obstruct a democratic leader is to obstruct the will of the people themselves – something history has shown to be a dangerous precedent. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.
  BP/SP
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

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