February 13th, 2026 - From Exile to Leadership: The Ascendancy of Bangladesh's New Prime Minister

Tarique Rahman, once exiled due to bribery and corruption charges, has made a triumphant return to Bangladesh’s political scene, positioning himself to become the next prime minister. His comeback follows a turbulent history, marked by his exile in 2008 and his struggle to reclaim his family’s political legacy. The current election, set against the backdrop of a student revolution demanding political change, saw Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (B.N.P.) securing a resounding victory, despite opposition from the Awami League, which was banned from participating. Rahman now stands at the helm of the B.N.P., pledging to address key issues like corruption, political freedom, and economic opportunity.

Rahman’s win marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s political landscape, which has been dominated by two entrenched families since its independence. The 2024 student revolution, which overthrew former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among the youth, primarily over economic stagnation and political suppression. In response, Rahman has adopted a populist approach, presenting himself as a man of the people with his “Bangladesh before all” slogan and a manifesto aligned with the students’ progressive demands, including more economic opportunities, gender equality, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Rahman’s family legacy plays a significant role in his political persona. His mother, Khaleda Zia, served as the country’s first female prime minister and garnered praise for her contributions to education and economic growth. However, her tenure was also marked by the rise of Islamic extremism. Rahman’s campaign seeks to honor his mother’s work while promising to modernize Bangladesh and address the contemporary challenges it faces. His ability to channel his family's political history, alongside his own experiences, positions him as a seasoned leader capable of guiding the country through its current crisis.

Despite Rahman’s strong showing, his victory raises concerns about the future of the student revolution that sought to disrupt the power dynamic in Bangladesh. Both Rahman and Hasina are heirs to the political dynasties that shaped Bangladesh’s post-independence history, with their fathers being pivotal figures in the 1971 war of independence. Critics argue that the rise of another member of a political family might not lead to the long-lasting changes that the students had hoped for, as the struggle for power between these dynasties continues to perpetuate the country’s political instability.

Rahman’s return also comes after years of legal battles, including accusations of extortion and corruption. His 2007 arrest led to his exile, but he has denied the charges, and after his return in December 2024, he expressed his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. Despite his political maturity and promises of change, his critics remain skeptical, with many questioning whether his leadership will offer any significant departure from the status quo.

The general election in Bangladesh, the first since the 2024 student revolution, saw voters giving Rahman and his party another opportunity to lead. Some supporters, like Milon Almazee, a businessman from Dhaka, have expressed confidence in Rahman’s leadership, noting his improved diplomacy and behavior. However, the true test of Rahman’s leadership will be in his ability to address the pressing issues of corruption, economic inequality, and political reform that continue to plague the country.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Rapscallion (noun, rap-SKAL-yun) - The word rapscallion refers to someone who causes trouble, often in a mischievous way. It appears in the same sorts of contexts as rascal and scamp.

Example: The movie follows the story of a rambunctious young rapscallion who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Image credit: Unsplash