Tarique Rahman Opens Up About His Return, and Family’s Political Role in BBC Bangla Interview

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in London for many years, has long been leading a movement against what he calls the fascist Hasina regime since 2008. He played a significant role in the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh.

There has been widespread public curiosity surrounding Tarique Rahman’s possible return to Bangladesh, his participation in the national election, and whether his family members will enter politics. In an exclusive interview with BBC Bangla, the BNP’s acting chairperson spoke candidly about these issues.

In the extensive interview, he discussed the party’s strategy for the upcoming election, the future leadership of the BNP, and the party’s stance on current political and electoral developments in Bangladesh.

After Ziaur Rahman’s death, Khaleda Zia took the helm of the BNP. Following her illness, Tarique Rahman assumed leadership of the party and now functions as its organizational head. The question naturally arises: Who will lead the party after Tarique Rahman? Will it be another member of the Zia family, or will it be someone from within the party? How influential will the family remain in the BNP’s future leadership?

Addressing this, Tarique Rahman said:
“Let me present this matter in a slightly different way. With due respect to everyone’s opinion, I want to say this — when a doctor’s child becomes a doctor, sometimes they perform well, sometimes they don’t. The same applies to a lawyer’s child — sometimes they turn out to be as good as their parents, sometimes not.

In politics too, many politicians’ children have entered the field. Have all of them succeeded? No. Some have done well, others haven’t.”

He continued,
“If you are referring to me, I would say this — we have seen in a country like Bangladesh, over the past 17 years and even before, that politicians face various forms of harassment, false cases, and physical persecution. Many of our leaders and activists have suffered torture, imprisonment, and destruction of their homes.

Can you say that I haven’t experienced any of these? I have gone through each and every stage — I was physically tortured, and I still bear those marks at times. I have endured imprisonment, and I have been the target of false propaganda. I have overcome all of these.”

Tarique Rahman added,
“That is why I want to make it clear — politics is not a matter of family inheritance. It is based on support and capability. Whoever can organize the people, unite the party, and lead it forward will be able to do so. If someone cannot, they won’t. Time and circumstance will determine everything.”

Regarding rumors about his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman entering politics, BBC Bangla asked whether there is any possibility of his family members joining politics.

In response, Tarique Rahman gave a tactful reply, saying:
“As I said earlier — time and circumstances will tell.”