Bangladesh Elections: Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years, Poised as PM Contender

Tarique Rahman, the prominent son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a key figure in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has made a dramatic return to his homeland after an absence of 17 years. His arrival at Dhaka Airport was met with an overwhelming display of support, as an estimated 100,000 enthusiastic BNP workers gathered near the airport to welcome him. This massive turnout underscores the deep anticipation and fervent loyalty. That Rahman commands within his party and among his supporters. The scene was marked by a sea of party flags, banners,. And jubilant chants, signaling a significant moment in Bangladesh's volatile political landscape.

A Resounding Return After 17 Years

Rahman's departure from Bangladesh in 2008 was under a cloud of controversy. He had sought refuge in London, effectively living in exile, to evade arrest warrants issued against him. These warrants stemmed from a series of corruption cases that were initiated during the tenure of the then-incumbent Sheikh Hasina government. His prolonged absence from the country's political arena had left a void, but his return now injects a new dynamic into the upcoming general elections, promising a fierce contest for power. The sheer scale of the welcome at Dhaka Airport, with a hundred thousand supporters,. Vividly illustrates the enduring appeal and political weight Rahman carries, despite his long exile.

Upcoming General Elections and BNP's Strong Candidacy

Bangladesh is gearing up for general elections scheduled for February 12 next year. The political landscape has undergone significant shifts, most notably with the ban on Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, which has paved the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to emerge as the strongest contender for power. With BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, aged 80, battling severe illness and hospitalized, Tarique Rahman is widely perceived as the frontrunner for the Prime Ministerial position. His return provides the BNP with a much-needed leadership boost, capable. Of galvanizing the party's base and steering its electoral campaign effectively.

Renewed Enthusiasm Among BNP Cadres

Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years has ignited a fresh wave of enthusiasm and morale among BNP workers across Bangladesh. The capital city of Dhaka has been transformed into a canvas of BNP posters and banners, a clear testament to the heightened excitement surrounding his comeback and the impending elections. Following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government last year and the subsequent chaotic situation under the interim Muhammad Yunus government, the BNP is harboring strong hopes for a return to power. Supporters believe that under Rahman's leadership, the party can restore stability and effective governance to the nation.

Tarique Rahman's Return: A Critical Juncture for India

The upcoming February elections hold significant implications for India's regional security. Tarique Rahman's return is particularly meaningful for New Delhi, especially given that the pro-India Awami League has been barred from contesting, and Khaleda Zia remains hospitalized. This development unfolds at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, where radical Islamists, under. The interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, are reportedly unchecked and actively propagating anti-India sentiment. India views Rahman's return as a potential opportunity to stabilize the region and counter extremist influences.

The Rise of Jamaat-e-Islami and India's Concerns

A specific concern for India is the resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a group widely regarded as a supporter of Pakistan's ISI. Under the Yunus government, the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami was lifted, allowing it to re-enter politics and Notably increase its influence and strength. With radical forces gaining ground under Yunus's leadership in Bangladesh, India perceives the BNP as a more liberal and democratic alternative compared to Jamaat and the current interim administration, despite past strained relations between India and the BNP. India hopes that a BNP government would act to curb these fundamentalist elements.

BNP's Softening Stance Towards India

According to political analyst Parth Mukhopadhyay, there has been a noticeable shift in the BNP's rhetoric towards India. Recent statements from key BNP leaders, including Tarique Rahman, Mir Zafar, and Salauddin Ahmed, have notably lacked any anti-India sentiment, while the party's primary focus has shifted towards domestic issues within Bangladesh, with strong criticism directed at the Yunus government's policies, particularly its foreign policy decisions. This change in stance is a positive indicator for India, suggesting a potential for improved bilateral relations and a more cooperative regional approach.

Strategic Distancing from Jamaat-e-Islami

The BNP has strategically distanced itself from Jamaat-e-Islami. While engaging with a different faction of Jamaat for the upcoming Bangladesh elections, the BNP has only allocated four seats to them, signaling a limited alliance rather than a full embrace. This move reinforces the BNP's more moderate image and its separation from hardline extremist elements. Parth Mukhopadhyay emphasizes that the BNP is portraying Tarique Rahman's return as the 'messiah' for a Bangladesh grappling with violence, arguing that only he can rescue the nation. The BNP leadership recognizes that adopting an anti-India stance would. Be counterproductive to their aspirations for power, hence their softened approach. The party is also keen to project an image of maintaining equal distance from both India and Pakistan.

Curbing Fundamentalist Forces: India's Expectation

New Delhi harbors expectations that Tarique Rahman's return will invigorate BNP workers and lead to the party forming the next government, while during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Bangladesh fostered close ties with India while maintaining a safe distance from Pakistan. However, the situation has taken a significant U-turn under the Yunus administration, which has prioritized closer relations with Pakistan, seemingly at the expense of ties with India. Should the BNP return to power, India anticipates a positive shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy. Recent signals suggest a concerted effort to mend India-BNP relations, highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public expression of concern and offer of support for the ailing Khaleda Zia, which the BNP gratefully acknowledged. This exchange indicates a thawing of relations. Crucially for India, Tarique Rahman has openly expressed disagreements with the Yunus government, even questioning Yunus's authority to make long-term foreign policy decisions. On top of that, Rahman has been a vocal critic of Jamaat-e-Islami and has explicitly refused to align with them in the upcoming elections, with the BNP not entering into a compromise with the main Jamaat-e-Islami party.