The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured victory in the 13th parliamentary elections held on 12 February 2026, marking a change in Bangladesh’s political leadership. Following the results, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman formally staked claim to form the government.
With this development, a male prime minister is set to return to office after 36 years.
Tarique Rahman, born on 20 November 1965 in Dhaka, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman was the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and served as President, while Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister, including two full terms and one term that lasted only a few weeks.
Rahman entered active politics in the 1990s and played a role in the BNP’s political mobilization during the 1991 parliamentary elections that brought Khaleda Zia to office as Prime Minister. During her subsequent tenure, he emerged as an influential figure within the party.
In 2001, when Khaleda Zia returned to power, Rahman was associated with key party decisions. The Dhaka-based “Hawa Bhaban” was linked to his political operations, where strategic decisions were reportedly taken. During this period, he faced allegations of corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. The opposition Awami League referred to him as the “Dark Prince.”
During the political instability of 2006–07, a military-backed interim government launched an anti-corruption drive. In March 2007, Rahman was arrested and 84 cases were filed against him, including charges related to money laundering, corruption, and the 2004 grenade attack. The BNP maintained that the cases were politically motivated and part of a conspiracy by its political rival Sheikh Hasina.
While in custody, Rahman experienced health complications that affected his spine. After being granted bail in September 2008, he relocated to London with his wife Zubaida and daughter Zaima, beginning a 17-year period abroad.
His political return followed developments in August 2024, when a student movement against Sheikh Hasina led to the removal of the Awami League government from power. An interim government was subsequently formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. During Yunus’s tenure, courts dismissed all cases filed against Rahman.
In December 2025, Rahman announced his decision to return to Bangladesh from London. On 25 December, he arrived at Dhaka airport, where supporters gathered to welcome him.
Soon after his return, Rahman contested parliamentary elections from Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies and won both seats. His victory contributed to the BNP’s electoral success.
Following the election results, Rahman stated that his priorities include clean politics, zero tolerance for corruption, employment opportunities for youth, and the restoration of democracy.
At 60 years of age, Rahman is regarded by his supporters as a determined leader with strategic experience. With his claim to form the government, Bangladesh is set to have a male prime minister after 36 years. The BNP’s electoral victory has altered the political balance in the country.
