Challenges Tarique Rahman must confront

We are passing through a time when Bangladesh stands at a crucial crossroads in its history. In 2024, a historic mass uprising ended the Awami League government’s fifteen-year rule, and within a few months, Bangladesh is moving towards an election. Just as the country’s history holds the glorious chapter of the Liberation War, it also bears the cries of justice lost in the dark alleys of power. More than half a century after independence, the nation is still searching for a stable democracy in which every branch of the state works for the people’s welfare, and politics reflects ethics and morality. Yet the people of this country have repeatedly witnessed electoral farce, capture of polling centres, ballot-stuffing and violence. From national to by-elections and countless local polls, many have been questioned over time. Political disputes centring on elections have become a permanent feature of Bangladesh, eroding public trust in the process and often putting democracy itself in doubt.

Recently, the Election Commission announced a roadmap outlining the activities from the schedule’s declaration to the conduct of polls, stating that the election would be held in February. On paper, this roadmap is certainly a positive step, but in reality, making it work in Bangladesh’s context will require overcoming enormous challenges. Tarique Rahman himself has commented that this election will be the most challenging of all previous ones.

If the next election is indeed held in February, time is very short. The period ahead is extremely difficult and fraught with multiple crises—there is no doubt about that. So far, no clear consensus is visible. Young voters are one of the major forces in this election. Their expectations include quality education, employment, opportunities in technology and innovation, and a corruption-free society. But the mainstream political process rarely reflects their aspirations. Most political parties use the youth only as tools for campaigns, not as participants in decision-making. Yet without the participation of the young generation, a people’s election is impossible. If the electoral process remains confined to the act of casting votes, it will fail to fulfil the people’s deeper hopes.

Active participation by civil society, citizen groups and international observers can increase the credibility of the election. The independent role of the media can help expose irregularities. If the Election Commission works transparently and political parties take part on the basis of minimum mutual trust, this election could become a symbol of national unity and restore public faith in democratic governance. However, there are also reasons for concern. If political parties do not cooperate in implementing the declared roadmap and prioritise their own interests, the election may again become controversial, generating public frustration and further weakening democracy. Likewise, if electoral violence and the influence of money cannot be curbed, voter turnout will decline.

If voters feel that their ballots have no value, rebuilding trust in democracy will become impossible. The main condition for a people’s election is participatory democracy. The public will no longer accept a situation where they are called to vote but their voices and demands are ignored. Electoral reform is therefore essential. Candidate scrutiny, transparent asset declarations, internal democracy within political parties and control of campaign expenditure must be effectively enforced. At the same time, public engagement must be increased at every stage of the Election Commission’s activities so that citizens see their opinions being valued.

Political parties also bear immense responsibility. If they continue to practise politics only to seize or retain power, public aspirations will remain unmet. What is needed is compromise, dialogue and consensus. Instead of treating one another as enemies, parties must work together to ensure the continuity of the democratic process. Civil society, the media and the young generation can exert pressure so that political parties are compelled to reach consensus. In the end, Bangladesh’s upcoming election is not merely a vote but an opportunity to rebuild democratic governance. If this opportunity is properly utilised, future generations may dream of a strong and participatory democracy. But if the walls of division and mistrust are not broken, this election too will fail to meet the people’s expectations.

Tarique Rahman’s recent BBC interview has generated wide response among the general public, intellectuals and BNP supporters, though political rivals have reacted cautiously. They know that Tarique Rahman has the potential not only to rebuild the BNP’s damaged image but also to ignite a political wave that opponents may find hard to resist. At the very beginning of the interview, in response to a question about his long absence from the media, Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of expression and subtly reminded everyone of his party’s pledge to protect media freedom. Recalling the press freedom that existed during BNP’s rule, he assured that it would be preserved in the future as well.

The BNP believes in freedom of expression and individual liberty. He said that any laws or ordinances that restrict such freedoms would be reformed through discussion and consultation. He also warned against spreading false or misleading information on social media and urged the media not to present propaganda as news. Speaking about the July Revolution, he said it was the result of spontaneous public participation and the culmination of years of struggle against dictatorship. He called for standing beside the families of the martyrs and the injured with compassion and humility, and acknowledged the contributions of people from all walks of life to the uprising. On elections and democracy, Tarique Rahman stated clearly that Bangladesh’s sovereignty belongs to its people and that the only way to return that power to them is through elections.

He emphasised participatory and inclusive politics for rebuilding the state, welcomed the right of other political parties to form alliances and engage in politics within the framework of the constitution, and described electoral competition as an essential component of democracy. Reiterating that the BNP believes in multi-party politics and accountability, he has emerged as a necessary leader in a time of deep political vacuum. Tarique Rahman is not just the leader of one party; he represents a vision capable of fostering national unity and democratic reconstruction. But the path ahead is not easy. The political reality is complex and risky. The long-standing culture of vengeance, corruption, partisanship and lack of administrative transparency are all major obstacles to a moral reawakening.

To overcome these, Tarique Rahman has stressed strict anti-corruption measures, political accountability and reform within party structures. He believes that leadership stems from morality, and a party’s strength comes from the people’s trust. As he said, “Politics is not a personal affair; it is a responsibility to the people.” Within this statement lies Bangladesh’s direction for the future. A state survives only when politics is based on responsibility, not gain. What Bangladesh needs most today is leadership driven by a sense of duty—leaders who think not of personal security but of the nation’s security. Tarique Rahman’s political journey is a unique history of resistance. His years in exile were not only filled with hardship but also with introspection, a time that matured his political thought.

Experience has given him patience, prudence and foresight. The matured political vision he demonstrates today is no sudden achievement—it is the fruit of time, pain and struggle. If Bangladesh’s future politics truly aims to be democratic and participatory, it will need a leader capable of uniting the people. Tarique Rahman’s greatest strength lies in this sense of unity. He has repeatedly said, “Our struggle is not against any party; our struggle is against injustice.” This belief sets him apart as an idealistic leader. In today’s world, politics is increasingly becoming individual-centred, commercial and interest-driven. But Tarique Rahman’s political outlook stands in contrast to that trend. For him, politics means serving the people and safeguarding the dignity and sovereignty of the state. He has repeatedly declared, “There can be no compromise on Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”

This statement reflects his patriotism, which transcends political identity. The shortage of leadership is nothing new in Bangladesh’s history, but in today’s circumstances it is most acute. The people now suffer from a kind of despair—they no longer see politics as hope but as fear. In such a situation, if any leader can restore public confidence, it will mark the beginning of Bangladesh’s political renaissance. And the people believe Tarique Rahman can do that.

Rayhan Ahmed Tapader : Researcher and Columnist, United Kingdom