Who is Tarique Rahman? Trending First Media Interview after Years in Exile

In one of the most significant political developments in Bangladesh’s recent history, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has spoken publicly in a face-to-face media interview for the first time in almost twenty years. 

His conversation with BBC Bangla, broadcast on October 6, 2025, comes as the country prepares for an anticipated national election and amid renewed debates over the future of its political leadership.

The rare interview has immediately become a trending topic across South Asia, not just because of its timing, but because it signals Tarique Rahman’s intention to return home after seventeen years in exile in London.

Key Takeaways

• Tarique Rahman gave his first face-to-face media interview in nearly two decades to BBC Bangla.
• He hinted at returning to Bangladesh soon, saying it is “time for him to return.”
• He stated that the upcoming election is one he “cannot stay away from.”
• Tarique denied being the mastermind behind the July Uprising, calling it a movement led by democracy-seeking citizens.
• The interview marks his re-emergence after years of silence and court-imposed media restrictions in Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman’s Return: A Turning Point for BNP and Bangladesh

Tarique Rahman’s appearance comes at a pivotal moment. In the interview, he said, “As a politician, as a political activist, elections are intrinsically linked to my identity. When there is an anticipated election, how can I stay away during that time?”

He expressed his strong desire to return home, adding, “For some logical reasons, my return has not been possible yet… However, I feel the time has come. Inshallah, I will return very soon.”

This statement has been widely interpreted as a direct signal that he intends to re-enter the political arena before the February 2026 elections. His reappearance could dramatically reshape the BNP’s strategy, morale, and public support after years of leadership void and internal challenges.

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A Rare Interview After Years of Silence

Tarique Rahman’s interview marks his first formal, in-person media interaction since going into exile in 2008. During this period, he has largely maintained a low public profile, often communicating only through online statements or brief appearances at virtual BNP events.

For years, Bangladesh’s High Court had banned the publication or broadcast of his remarks in any media outlet. This restriction, imposed in 2015, effectively silenced one of the country’s most influential opposition figures. The ban was lifted in August 2024, paving the way for his public re-engagement.

In the interview, Tarique recalled, “If I wanted to say something to the media, even if the media wished to publish it, they could not. That is how they tried to silence me.”

‘No Individual Mastermind’ Behind the July Uprising

Addressing one of the most debated events in Bangladesh’s recent political history, Tarique Rahman denied being the mastermind behind the July Uprising, a mass movement that led to the fall of the previous government in August.

He clarified, “No, I certainly never see myself as the mastermind of this movement. The uprising that culminated in 5 August began many years ago. It was not confined to any single political group.”

He emphasized that it was a collective struggle involving people from all walks of life—students, farmers, laborers, small traders, and even journalists who had faced persecution. “This was the movement of the people of Bangladesh. The democracy-seeking people are the masterminds,” he concluded.

This statement reframes the uprising as a broad-based, citizen-driven movement rather than a politically orchestrated campaign, subtly shifting the focus away from party politics toward a national narrative of democratic aspiration.

His Role in the Upcoming Elections

When asked whether he would contest for the position of prime minister, Tarique Rahman responded with cautious humility. “I believe this decision belongs to the people of Bangladesh. This is not my decision,” he said.

He confirmed that he will participate in the upcoming elections, though he did not specify in what capacity. His words suggest a strategic approach, balancing personal ambition with the collective will of his party and the electorate.

If Tarique Rahman does return before the polls, his presence could energize BNP’s grassroots network, attract international attention, and potentially redefine the election dynamics.

The Road from Exile to Return

Tarique Rahman, the elder son of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 after being released on parole from corruption charges. While in exile, he was widely regarded as the de facto leader of the BNP, steering the party’s decisions and political messaging from abroad.

His prolonged absence has been both a limitation and a symbol. For BNP loyalists, Tarique remains the emotional core of the party—a link to the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and a reminder of BNP’s historical struggle for democratic governance. For critics, his exile represented the party’s detachment from ground-level politics in Bangladesh.

The BBC Bangla interview, therefore, represents not just a personal comeback but a calculated re-entry into a rapidly shifting political landscape.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

The interview has triggered intense reactions across social and traditional media. Supporters have hailed it as the “return of leadership” that BNP has been waiting for. Political observers note that this public appearance could rejuvenate the opposition’s confidence and widen the space for political debate after years of government dominance.

However, questions remain about how Tarique’s return will be received domestically. Security concerns, legal obstacles, and political resistance could complicate his path. Yet, his tone in the interview was notably optimistic, signaling both confidence and readiness to re-engage.

Final Thoughts

Tarique Rahman’s BBC Bangla interview is more than a media event; it is a political moment. It reintroduces one of Bangladesh’s most polarizing yet pivotal figures into the national conversation at a time when the demand for fair elections and democratic renewal is growing louder.

Whether his return materializes as planned or not, his words have already altered the narrative. For BNP, this marks a reawakening. For the ruling establishment, it introduces new uncertainty. For the people, it rekindles an old question—can Bangladesh’s democracy be restored through leadership that truly returns to the people?

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FAQs

Who is Tarique Rahman?

Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He has lived in exile in London since 2008 but continues to lead the party from abroad.

Why is Tarique Rahman in the news now?

He recently gave his first face-to-face interview in nearly two decades to BBC Bangla, signaling his intention to return to Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming elections.

What did Tarique Rahman say about his return?

He said, “I feel the time has come. Inshallah, I will return very soon,” emphasizing his desire to participate in the national elections and be among the people.

What was his stance on the July Uprising?

Tarique denied being its mastermind, describing it as a movement of democracy-seeking citizens rather than a politically directed revolt.

Will Tarique Rahman run for prime minister?

He did not confirm this, saying that the decision belongs to the people and his party. However, he hinted that he will play an active role in the upcoming elections.