Time Magazine portrays Tarique Rahman as symbol of political revival

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of the country is the primary reason for his continued involvement in politics. His engagement is not solely due to his familial background but also because of the party's supporters who have propelled him to the forefront of the political arena.

He made these remarks during a special interview with the prominent US-based publication, Time Magazine. This extensive report, comprising approximately 3,300 words, was published about him on Wednesday, January 28.

In the Time Magazine article, Tarique Rahman is referred to as 'Bangladesh's Prodigal Son' or 'returning heir'. The report highlights that despite his weakened voice and physical frailty, Tarique Rahman's resolve to re-enter an active political role is evident.

Although the passing of his mother and Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, shortly after his return to the country has profoundly affected him on a personal level, he remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling his political duties.

In an exclusive interview with Time, Tarique Rahman emphasized that there is no opportunity for shirking responsibility. The trust that the citizens of the country have placed in him is the fundamental reason for his political engagement.

He made it clear that his involvement in politics is not merely a result of his family lineage, but rather the support from party members that has brought him to prominence.

This marks Tarique Rahman's first interview following his return to the country. The report indicates that he is a prominent contender in the forthcoming national elections scheduled for February 12. A recent opinion poll suggests that the BNP, under his leadership, enjoys the backing of approximately 70 percent of voters, while the nearest competitor, Jamaat-e-Islami, has only 19 percent public support.

In essence, he has been characterized as a 'technocratic' politician. He has discussed initiatives such as canal excavation, extensive tree planting, the creation of new green spaces in Dhaka, electricity generation from waste, skill development, and collaboration with the private sector in the healthcare domain. Tarique Rahman is confident that even if he manages to implement 30 percent of these initiatives, the populace will benefit significantly.

The report indicates that Tarique Rahman is portraying himself as a leader who is relatively gentle and attentive to the concerns of others. He stated that his primary focus is to guarantee the safety of individuals on the streets and to facilitate business operations. Concurrently, he expressed his opposition to the prohibition of political parties, asserting, "If someone is banned today, he may be banned tomorrow."

According to an evaluation by Time magazine, Tarique Rahman's return has indeed instilled a sense of optimism in Bangladeshi politics; however, should he fail to navigate three critical challenges - the legacy of the past, maintaining party discipline, and addressing economic realities - that optimism could swiftly diminish.

At the conclusion of the report, Tarique Rahman referenced a line from the Spider-Man film, stating, "With great power comes great responsibility. I believe in it wholeheartedly."

The report further examined the broader circumstances in Bangladesh. Significant challenges have been identified, including high inflation, a depreciating taka, a crisis in foreign exchange reserves, and youth unemployment. Time has noted that while approximately two million young individuals enter the job market annually, job creation is not keeping pace with this influx - presenting a substantial challenge for Tarique Rahman.

Additionally, the report highlights the political evolution in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina's fall, the student movement, the decline in law and order, and the emergence of Islamist politics. It concludes that the interim government's reform initiatives remain unfinished, and the most pressing question is the direction Bangladesh will take following the elections.