Is BNP’s Tarique Rahman the change post-Hasina Bangladesh is looking for?

Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has launched the party’s manifesto ahead of the upcoming national elections, aiming to position himself as the agent of change in a political landscape long dominated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Rahman’s campaign rally in Gazipur, a key industrial area near Dhaka, drew tens of thousands of supporters, highlighting his personal appeal among voters. However, the BNP continues to struggle with overcoming entrenched public perceptions of corruption and extortion associated with its past governance. Political analysts note a significant challenge for Rahman in winning over younger voters aged 18 to 26, many of whom have no direct memory of BNP rule but have absorbed negative narratives about the party’s integrity. Khan Sobayel bin Rafiq, a political commentator and former military officer, emphasized that despite Rahman’s charisma, the BNP has yet to effectively counter these longstanding accusations. Sobayel, who has experienced political repression himself, including 11 years in exile due to his opposition to government policies, suggested that the party’s image problem remains a critical obstacle to expanding its base. The political context in Bangladesh remains highly polarized, with the Awami League maintaining a firm grip on power amid accusations of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent. The BNP’s efforts to present a credible alternative are complicated by internal divisions and the legacy of past controversies. Tarique Rahman, who has spent years in exile and faces legal challenges, is attempting to rebrand the party and appeal to a new generation of voters seeking change. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of whether the BNP can break through the dominant political narrative and regain influence in Bangladesh’s evolving democracy. The outcome will have significant implications for the country’s political stability, governance, and future direction amid ongoing economic and social challenges.