Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed strong confidence in securing a decisive victory in Thursday’s landmark general election, marking his political comeback after nearly two decades in self-imposed exile.
Rahman, 60, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after living in London since 2008. His departure followed a series of corruption cases filed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He has consistently maintained that the charges were politically motivate
Speaking ahead of the polls, Rahman said the BNP represents the aspirations of the people and has struggled for over 17 years to restore voting rights and democratic values. “The people want change, and we believe they will vote for us,” he said, predicting a landslide victory.
The election is being held under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Awami League, previously led by Hasina, has been barred from contesting following violent unrest in 2024 that led to her removal from office. A UN report later accused the former government of widespread human rights violations during protests that resulted in significant casualties.
If elected, Rahman has pledged swift reforms within his first 180 days in office. His priorities include restoring law and order, strengthening democratic institutions, and creating employment opportunities for up to 10 million people. He also outlined plans to stimulate private sector growth, invest in information technology and artificial intelligence, and expand Bangladesh’s blue economy.
On foreign policy, Rahman emphasized balanced and mutually respectful relations with neighboring countries and global partners. He signaled a strong interest in deepening ties with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, where more than three million Bangladeshis work and send remittances home. He praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and expressed his desire to visit the Kingdom early in his term, including performing Umrah in Makkah.
Regarding relations with India and Pakistan, Rahman stated that Bangladesh’s foreign policy would be guided strictly by national interest. He stressed that accountability and justice would remain central to his administration’s agenda, saying no individual would be above the law.
Rahman is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. After his father’s assassination, his mother Khaleda Zia led the BNP and served as prime minister. Rahman assumed the party’s leadership following her death.
