Raisa Raad Khan
After two decades of political uncertainty, turbulence and waiting, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears set to return to power after securing an outright majority in the 13th parliamentary election. The result marks a significant turn in Bangladesh’s political trajectory, raising hopes for change while putting the new leadership under intense public scrutiny.
At the centre of the BNP’s electoral success is its chairman, Tarique Rahman, heir to the political legacy of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. His leadership, however, is no longer merely about political inheritance. It is increasingly being seen as a test of organisational renewal, strategic political repositioning and the party’s ability to reconnect with the electorate.
Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile added an emotional and dramatic dimension to the country’s political landscape. His mother, Khaleda Zia, died shortly after his return, dealing him a profound personal loss at a critical moment in his political career. Yet analysts believe the experience has strengthened his resolve and sense of responsibility rather than weakening his political standing.
In a relatively short period, efforts to revitalise the BNP’s grassroots organisation, recalibrate its electoral strategy and deepen its engagement with voters appear to have played a significant role in the party’s political resurgence.
Political dynasties are by no means unique to Bangladesh. The Nehru-Gandhi family in India, the Bhutto family in Pakistan and the Kennedy family in the United States are among the best-known examples of political legacies being carried across generations. In Bangladesh, however, leadership rooted in political inheritance is viewed from two competing perspectives—one sees it as a continuation of political tradition, while the other raises questions about democratic institutionalisation.
Tarique Rahman’s rise must therefore be assessed against this complex backdrop, where political legacy, public sentiment, popular support and institutional competence will all be put to the test.
For nearly three and a half decades, Bangladesh’s politics was dominated by two powerful women—Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Their prolonged rivalry, competing political visions, struggles for power and deep mutual distrust shaped the country’s democratic journey. While their rivalry kept politics highly competitive, it also contributed to intense polarisation.
The emergence of a new generation of leadership after such a prolonged period may be viewed as a natural phase of political transition. But the success of that transition will depend largely on whether the new government can build inclusive institutions, strengthen democratic practices and restore public confidence in governance.
The political upheaval following the 2024 mass uprising marked one of the most consequential moments in Bangladesh’s recent history. The subsequent interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus oversaw a period of administrative reforms, political dialogue and international engagement, helping create an environment for a national election.
The experience has also prompted comparisons with democratic transitions in countries such as South Africa and several Eastern European states, where transitional arrangements helped pave the way for political restructuring and the restoration of democratic institutions.
The BNP-led alliance’s clear majority can be seen as a strong expression of the electorate’s preference. At the same time, the strength and effectiveness of the opposition will remain crucial to maintaining parliamentary checks and balances.
The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance’s emergence as the second-largest political force could become particularly significant in this regard. The participation of multiple parties, along with victories by independent candidates, also points to a degree of political diversity in the new parliamentary landscape.
Tarique Rahman’s victories in multiple constituencies have further reinforced his political standing and public appeal. But electoral success is only the beginning. The more difficult test will be whether that popular mandate can be translated into effective, accountable and inclusive governance.
For parliamentary democracy to function properly, a credible opposition, transparency in policymaking and meaningful administrative accountability will be essential. These are likely to be among the new government’s most important challenges.
Bangladesh’s political history has been shaped by mass movements, military rule, popular uprisings and repeated struggles to restore democratic governance. It is a history that offers both achievements to build on and painful lessons to remember.
The new leadership therefore faces a responsibility that extends far beyond assuming office. It must address the country’s crisis of public trust, strengthen democratic institutions and promote a political culture rooted in tolerance, accountability and respect for dissent.
Bangladesh now stands at a sensitive yet potentially transformative juncture. Public expectations are high, but so are caution and scepticism. The government’s ability to ensure good governance, economic stability, social justice, effective anti-corruption measures and an inclusive political culture will ultimately determine whether the current transition becomes meaningful and sustainable.
The country may once again be standing at the threshold of a new political dawn. But whether that dawn brings lasting stability and democratic renewal will depend not simply on electoral victory, but on the wisdom of the leadership, the resilience of state institutions and the active participation of the people.
