NEW DELHI, Dec 26: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, returning from a 17-year exile, addressed a massive gathering in Dhaka on December 25, signaling BNP’s intent to reclaim leadership ahead of the high-stakes February 2026 general election.
While Rahman emphasized that he has a plan for the people and the country, he provided few details. His speech highlighted themes of peace, security, unity, and economic justice, linking current grievances to historical struggles such as the 1971 Liberation War, the 1975 uprising, and the 1990s mass movement.
Rahman avoided projecting himself explicitly as a prospective prime minister but invoked his family’s political legacy—his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia—to reinforce his leadership credentials.
He stressed inclusivity for all citizens, regardless of faith, and spoke of reclaiming democratic and economic rights, reflecting dissatisfaction with political suppression under the Awami League and the exclusion of its leaders from the upcoming polls.
However, he did not directly address recent arson and killings or offer detailed condolences for victims.
The speech positions BNP as the main alternative political force, appealing to citizens feeling disenfranchised, while leaving the full content of his plan, and whether it will include opponents and critics, to be revealed in the coming months. (IANS)
