The return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka on Thursdayโ17 years after he flew to the UK on bailโhas sparked widespread concern about his intentions as he prioritises Islamic rule in a nation already grappling with rising extremism under the Jamaat-controlled interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
He emphasised peace, justice, and governance guided by the “justice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”โbeginning his pledge with “Insha Allah” and calling for the nation to strive for justice in the light of the prophetic example.
“Let us all pledge together that, Insha Allah, those who will lead the country in the coming days will strive utmost to govern in the light of the justice shown by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
He stressed the need for safety for all citizens regardless of religion, class, or political affiliation, and called for abandoning chaos at any cost.
Tarique is the elder son of BNP founder and the countryโs first military dictator, General Ziaur Rahman, and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His younger brother, Arafat Rahman, died in Malaysia in 2015, seven years after he was released on bail.
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Since his travels to the UK based on an undertaking by his mother and the DGFI in 2008, the dark prince of the 2001โ06 period, Tarique Rahman, has been staying in London with his physician wife and barrister daughter. He conducted party activities through virtual platforms with the help of a few close confidants and earned money from selling party posts and playing online casinos.
Recently, Tarique revealed that he could not return home despite her motherโs illness due to some critical issues, which apparently eased after the interim government gave a green signal. Even though he acquired UK citizenship after seeking political asylum, Tarique collected a travel pass to enter Bangladesh.
After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at noon, he got on a bulletproof bus followed by a convoy through streets lined with jubilant BNP supporters, culminating in a grand rally at the picturesque 300 Feet area in Purbachal.
Drawing parallels to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words “I Have a Dream,” he proclaimed: “I have a planโfor the people of my country, for my country.”
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He sought nationwide cooperation to implement it, framing it as essential for development and changing people’s fortunes.
Concerns Over Islamic Framing in a Polarised Nation
While Tarique Rahman’s rhetoric included calls for inclusivity and protection of minoritiesโexplicitly mentioning Hindus, Christians, and Buddhistsโhis heavy reliance on Islamic references, including “Insha Allah” and direct invocation of prophetic governance, has fueled concerns. Critics fear this signals a deeper alignment with Islamist forces at a time when Bangladesh is already tilting toward radicalisation.
The interim government under Yunus, in power since August 2024, has been accused of patronising radical Islamists, particularly through the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami. Reports highlight the release of convicted militants post-2024 unrest, closer ties with Pakistan (including eased visas and high-level visits), and a perceived anti-India tilt, with provocative narratives used to deflect governance failures.
Minority persecution has surged, with thousands of incidents reported since August 2024, often denied or downplayed by the administration as “Indian propaganda” and โpolitical, not communal.โ
Anti-India provocationsโfrom comments on India’s Northeast to aggressive statements by Jamaat leadersโhave strained bilateral relations, while looted arms and freed extremists threaten security.
BNP’s Historical Ties and the Risk of Further Radicalisation
The BNP’s past alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami during its 2001-2006 rule saw a rise in militancy, including nationwide bombings and arms smuggling allegedly for anti-India groups. Though Tarique Rahman has recently distanced himself from electoral alliances with Jamaat, his speech’s Islamic tone raises fears that his “plan” could empower radical elements further, transforming Bangladesh into a more fundamentalist state.
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With elections looming in early 2026 and BNP leading polls, Tarique Rahman’s visionโif it prioritises religious governance over secular principlesโrisks exacerbating communal tensions, alienating minorities, and deepening the pro-Pakistan shift already underway under the Yunus regime.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, this mysterious “plan” offers hope to supporters but profound concern to those wary of the nation’s slide toward extremism. The coming months will reveal whether it leads to stability or accelerates the radical Islamist trajectory already alarming the region.
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