Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Born on November 20, 1967, he is the son of Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister of Bangladesh. After graduating from Dhaka University, Tarique got involved in politics.
During his mother's administration in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he participated in a number of political and economic initiatives. He was detained under the military-backed interim administration of 2007, but was eventually released on medical bail.
In 2008, he moved to London, where he lived in self-imposed exile for 17 years. His return, according to BNP supporters, will revitalise the party and bolster Bangladesh's democratic process.
In a difficult political climate, he returned ahead of the February 2026 national elections. Rahman's power as a leader increased while he was overseas, and Bangladesh's higher courts have exonerated him of significant accusations, including those connected to a 2004 grenade attack and corruption trials, despite prior legal challenges and convictions.
He is still a prominent opposition figure and is anticipated to be a crucial player in the BNP's election campaign. Many believe that his homecoming will have a big impact on Bangladesh's political dynamics, and there have been talks regarding possible leadership positions in the country's next government.
In an exclusive interaction, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India addressed key regional and bilateral issues spanning BIMSTEC, BRICS, and Bangladesh-India relations. Discussing the invitation extended to BIMSTEC for the BRICS Summit, he emphasized that regional platforms bring constructive engagement to multilateral forums. He described the nature of regional integration as cooperative competition, balancing shared interests, values, and mutual respect while recognizing regional asymmetries. Addressing Bangladesh-India bilateral ties, the High Commissioner highlighted the necessity of collaboration between governments and people. He underlined the Teesta water-sharing issue as an essential litmus test for mutual trust, respect, and shared ecological and economic benefits between the two nations, noting the profound human impact on over two crore people. Furthermore, he noted Bangladesh's active commitment to regional mechanisms like BIMSTEC, SAARC, and BBIN, while underscoring that diplomacy and bilateral ties must prioritize human aspirations, dignity, and democratic principles.
Bangladesh’s India policy appears to be sending mixed signals, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi becoming increasingly uncertain. First, reports suggested that Tarique Rahman could visit India between August 20 and 25 for bilateral discussions. Then Dhaka said an “appropriate” or “conducive” environment needed to be created, linking the issue to Bangladesh’s demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, and extended him an invitation to visit India.
Tarique Rahman on Tuesday took oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh following Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landside victory in the 13th general elections.
In the 2026 Bangladesh general elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tariq Rahman, achieved a landslide victory, securing 209 seats and a two-thirds majority. Rahman, returning from 17 years in exile, has promised a 'new Bangladesh' focused on the rule of law, financial discipline, and the safety of all citizens, including minorities.
Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide victory in Bangladesh general elections, winning 212 out of 299 seats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman following a significant victory in the Bangladesh elections.
In this episode of India Today Global, the big focus is on the historic national elections in Bangladesh, the first since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh people on Thursday voted in the crucial general elections to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024.
Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said that if polls are free and fair, then his party is on course to win.
As the high-stakes poll battle begins in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy spoke to India Today and said that the erstwhile Prime Minister is worried about the country's future following the muscle flexing of the Jamaat-E-Islami.
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This special report focuses on a major leadership transition in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The bulletin announces, 'It's Tariq Rahman who has now been appointed as the chairperson of the Bangladesh National Party'. This development follows the death of his mother, former Prime Minister and longtime party chief Khaleda Zia, which left the position vacant. Tarique Rahman had been serving as the acting chairperson of the party since 2018, a role he assumed after Khaleda Zia was jailed. The report also includes perspective on the political situation in Bangladesh and the potential implications for upcoming elections from India Today's Foreign Affairs Editor, Geeta Mohan. The appointment marks a formal shift in the leadership of one of Bangladesh's main political parties.
In this breaking news update, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay reports on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condolence letter to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar personally handed over the letter to Rahman in Dhaka. The Prime Minister recalled his June 2015 meeting with the late leader, describing her as a figure of 'exceptional resolve and commitment'. The segment also highlights Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile and the diplomatic significance of this gesture.
In this special report, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay reports from Dhaka on the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 80. Upadhyay confirms that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the last rites, carrying a personal message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of Bangladesh and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The report highlights the political significance of the moment, noting Rahman's return from exile on December 25 and the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2026. Upadhyay emphasizes India's hope for a "prosperous, stable and peaceful Bangladesh" and inclusive polls.
