International support builds for Tarique Rahman

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

International support builds for Tarique Rahman

Bangla Press Desk: Foreign diplomats are lining up in London to meet BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, holding detailed talks on Bangladesh’s political trajectory and development priorities ahead of the February polls – an outreach analysts say signals growing international acceptance of his prospective leadership. Highly placed BNP sources told the Daily Sun that envoys from major powers and international agencies have already factored in the BNP’s strong public backing and high likelihood of returning to power. Their engagement with Tarique, they say, is less about introductions and more about forging early understandings with a man they increasingly expect to lead the country. A host of high dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners, heads of diplomatic missions stationed in London and Dhaka, and top political leaders in the United Kingdom, have sought meetings with Tarique in recent weeks, according to the sources.

Diplomats from countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Qatar, along with senior representatives of international bodies, such as the United Nations, have met him to discuss bilateral relations, election strategy, and the reform agenda he intends to implement if the BNP forms the next government. Those who have met him recently include: a minister from Qatar; US Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson; British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke; UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis; British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) Catherine West MP; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Collins of Highbury; former director of the British Conservative Party’s Research Wing Rose Kemp; and another British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Hamish Falconer, sources revealed. Talks reportedly covered expanding trade, investment, and cooperation, as well as governance overhauls that could reshape Bangladesh’s political and economic future. Tarique, who listened intently to their views, set out his own vision for the country, emphasising that the BNP has already placed a 31-point reform plan before the public.

This blueprint, he said, outlines the party’s priorities for state governance and politics, with a focus on dismantling systemic obstacles to development and accelerating growth. The meetings also mark a shift in Western attitudes towards Tarique. For years, rumours suggested the United States harboured reservations about him. Now, with envoys actively engaging, that perception appears to be changing, signalling growing acceptance in Western capitals. Political analysts view this as part of a calculated diplomatic effort by major powers to mend ties with the BNP leadership after years of estrangement during what they term Bangladesh’s “fascist regime.” The engagement, they say, also reflects Western intent to ensure a credible, peaceful election process.

In recent months, many had questioned whether the United States was genuinely committed to facilitating a free and fair election in Bangladesh. Tarique’s direct meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka has gone a long way towards dispelling those doubts, signalling Washington’s willingness to engage with the BNP and its support for a peaceful, credible electoral process. Political analysts say the London meetings serve a dual purpose: they signal Western recognition of the BNP as a viable political force while also pressuring the party to transition from protest politics to credible governance planning. The BNP can no longer rely solely on anti-Awami League sentiment; it must articulate a clear vision for post-election Bangladesh. For Tarique, this moment is both an opportunity and a test, they told the Daily Sun, adding that his ability to present himself as a statesman – rather than a fugitive leader – will determine whether he can consolidate domestic and international support. The West’s engagement may act as a shield against his detractors, but it does not erase the legal and political baggage he carries. 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.] B P/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.]