New Delhi, February 14 – With the recent election results overwhelmingly favoring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Chairman Tarique Rahman set to assume the office of Prime Minister, there is considerable interest in him both as a person and as a politician.
Much of this interest stems from his long absence from home and his prior involvement in behind-the-scenes operations in Bangladesh.
Several video clips circulating on social media have captured him in various moods. In one, he is seen telling his followers not to repeatedly hail him, as he does not like it. In another, he is scolding supporters for raising slogans, calling them "newcomers," and advising them to seek guidance from "older" BNP workers.
On another occasion, his purported convoy comes to a halt at a traffic signal, where commentary suggests that he refused to proceed despite the police officer on duty asking him to do so.
There is considerable curiosity surrounding the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman rose through the party ranks in the 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a powerful behind-the-scenes operator.
After legal cases and political pressure at home, he spent approximately 17 years in exile in London, while continuing to direct party strategy and maintain influence over BNP cadres.
The 60-year-old leader's return to frontline politics in December followed a dramatic electoral comeback for the party.
Dubbed the "dark prince" largely due to his preference for operating in the shadows, Rahman faced multiple criminal charges and convictions in Bangladesh, which his supporters describe as politically motivated, while his critics cite them as evidence of corruption and abuse of power.
These legal battles shaped his years in exile and remain a politically sensitive aspect of his public profile.
While some portray him as a decisive leader who can restore unity and revive the party, opponents label him a dynastic figure whose return risks renewed polarization. Once he assumes office, immediate challenges will include political consolidation, diplomatic recalibration, economic stabilization, managing pressure from fundamentalist groups, and restoring law and order and institutional trust.
The new government needs to convert its electoral victory into effective political authority while avoiding polarizing moves that could provoke unrest.
Early priorities include appointing a capable cabinet, stabilizing party structures after years of exile or factionalism, and signaling a commitment to inclusive governance to calm public anxieties.
Rebuilding pragmatic ties with India is an urgent diplomatic task. New Delhi has signaled its readiness to engage, but it will closely monitor Dhaka's stance on sensitive issues such as the status of political figures in exile and further outreach to Pakistan.
At the same time, Dhaka will need to manage the pressures from Pakistan and China to redraw diplomatic links following the Muhammad Yusun-led interim government's public overtures towards Islamabad and Beijing.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen how China will react in the future to the interim government's trade deal with the United States.
The country's garment and textile sector, which underpins exports and employment, faces disruption and rising competition. It is expected to benefit from the deal.
However, inflation and unemployment have eroded public patience, making economic recovery a political imperative. The health sector remains under pressure, particularly after the withdrawal of USAID.
Meanwhile, the election results may have been against Islamist parties dominating policy, but pressure from conservative religious groups remains, especially concerning gender and religious equality.
Another issue is the law-and-order situation since the 2024 unrest, leading to attacks on Awami League workers and the lynching of Hindus.
The incident has also had a demoralizing effect on the country's police force. The "dark prince," now in the spotlight, faces a long and difficult path ahead.
