An Interview With Tarique Rahman – Likely Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister

Bangladesh is set to hold its next national election on February 12. On the same day, voters will also participate in a referendum aimed at reshaping the country’s future governance structure. Coming after the mass uprising of 2024, this election represents a decisive moment for Bangladesh’s democratic future.

The July Revolution of 2024 ended 16 years of authoritarian rule and brought together people from across society and political divides. University students, madrassa students, and democratic political parties united in protest against what many described as a draconian crackdown by then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement ultimately forced Hasina from power and reignited public hope for a genuinely democratic election.

A significant share of voters in the upcoming election belong to Generation Z, making young people the decisive force in choosing Bangladesh’s next prime minister. Many Gen Z voters are increasingly attending political programs organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), particularly those led by its chairman, Tarique Rahman.

Opinion surveys suggest the BNP holds a commanding lead. A poll conducted in December showed BNP support at around 70 percent, while its nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), stood at 19 percent. Another survey by private consultancy Innovision Consulting found that more than 47 percent of respondents see the possibility of Tarique Rahman, widely known as “TR,” becoming the next prime minister. By contrast, 22.5 percent expect the JI chief to assume the role.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. He says the cases that kept him abroad were politically motivated and intended to facilitate his re-arrest.

On behalf of The Diplomat, journalist Shahadat Shadhin met Rahman during a massive political rally on the banks of the Jamuna River. Hundreds of thousands attended the gathering. When Rahman stepped onto the stage, security was visibly heightened across the venue.

Before Rahman addressed the crowd, a woman named Marry delivered a speech. She had lost her eyesight to police gunfire during protests for voting rights in 2018. Her testimony created a deeply emotional moment among the audience.

In his speech, Rahman outlined five core commitments: a family card providing monthly allowances for the poorest women, a farmer card to connect farmers with state services, a health card, employment opportunities for youth, and skills training for overseas employment.

He also reflected on Bangladesh’s political history, stating that while independence was achieved in 1971, the July 2024 uprising “saved” that independence by restoring hope for democracy and a non-discriminatory society.

Rahman is campaigning using a specially outfitted bus that accommodates his small team. After the rally, he returned to the bus, where the interview took place.

As the interview began, the bus moved slowly along the road, delayed by crowds waving and cheering. Supporters carried national flags and BNP banners as they followed the convoy.

Below is the interview transcript, edited for length and clarity.

Mr. Tarique Rahman, welcome. You last visited districts in person during the 2006 election. After nearly 20 years, how does this experience compare?

“At that time, the program was mainly with my party leaders and activists. Back then, I mostly met party leaders and workers. Now, people of all ages and backgrounds are joining as well. I can see people have a strong hunger for change.

This is a happy time for me. I am meeting enthusiastic youth, talking with them, and taking selfies. It’s a new experience. I am really enjoying spending time with them.”

There are Gen Z-led political parties, yet after your return, Gen Z enthusiasm seems to be shifting toward you. Why?

“We are engaging with the thinking of Gen Z… We are prioritizing job creation, technical education, sports, the IT sector, and job market, which I believe resonates strongly with Gen Z.

If you look at today’s atmosphere, you’ll notice that most of the attendees in the meeting were Gen Z. I listen to them through a program called ‘The Plan,’ where students from different universities and backgrounds share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I truly enjoy connecting with them.”

Does this popularity put pressure on you?

“I see popularity as a responsibility. I believe it increases my duties as well.”

A segment of Gen Z, represented by the National Citizens Party (NCP), opposes you. How serious is that challenge?

“I don’t feel challenged. We are a political party. We are going to the people with our plans and commitments, and others are doing the same. The people will decide which plan is better for them. If we are able to form the government, we will implement our commitments. That’s all. My commitment is to the people. They are my strength.”

You have pledged to make Bangladesh a trillion-dollar economy. Isn’t that unrealistic?

“Becoming a trillion-dollar economy is difficult but not impossible. Now the country’s economy stands on two major pillars – garments and remittances – which were introduced under the BNP government…

We will emphasize the IT sector. At the same time, we will also pay attention to the semiconductor industry, light engineering, footwear, and SMEs. In addition, the food sector, including processed food, has strong potential. We can produce enough fish and vegetables and export them abroad. We are also exploring opportunities in the creative economy.”

But default loans and money laundering remain severe problems. How can such ambitions succeed?

“The loan defaults and money laundering that you are referring to happened during the past authoritarian regime. The government itself encouraged such practices… There was no transparency or accountability.

If we ensure strong financial governance, this problem can be solved. Our commitment is to build a transparent and accountable system where corruption will not be tolerated and abusers of power will be brought to justice.”

What about law and order, which many say has deteriorated under the interim government?

“The identity of the interim government is in its name: it is a short-term government. But a political government that comes to power through the people’s vote is different…

We will uphold the rule of law, freedom of speech, and ensure human rights for all.”

If you come to power, who will challenge you? Will institutions remain independent?

“Democracy is our party culture. Democratic culture is the foundation of our accountability…

During the last 17 years of authoritarian rule, many institutions have been politicized and partisanized. If a democratic culture is established, institutions will also be strengthened.”

What will your foreign policy look like?

“Our foreign policy will be a ‘Bangladesh First’ policy. We will prioritize an economy-based foreign policy that safeguards Bangladesh’s interests. We believe in mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.”

Your climate commitments are ambitious. Are they realistic?

“Is this really ‘too ambitious’ or simply unavoidable?…

We must prevent corruption in every sector, including the climate sector, and we are committed to ensuring that.”

Finally, give one promise we can hold you accountable for.

“We will establish the power of the people – this is my commitment to the people of the country.”

As the interview concluded, Rahman’s bus arrived at another rally, where thousands more had gathered. Once again, Gen Z supporters livestreamed the event on Facebook and deployed drones overhead, turning the rally into a digital campaign spectacle as Rahman took the stage to speak.