Tarique Hints at Return Before Polls
For the first time in nearly two decades, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has appeared in a face-to-face interview, telling BBC Bangla that it is “time for him to return to his country.”
The rare appearance — part one of a two-part special that aired on 6 October — featured Tarique discussing his political vision, the upcoming national election, and his views on recent movements in Bangladesh.
When asked about his return, he said:
“For some logical reasons, my return has not been possible yet… However, I feel the time has come. Inshallah, I will return very soon.”
He added that elections were inseparable from his political identity:
“As a politician, as a political activist, elections are intrinsically linked to my identity. So when there is an anticipated election that the people desire, how can I stay away during that time? I will have my utmost effort and desire to be with the people, among the people, when that election is held, Inshallah.”
Tarique, who has lived in London since 2008, did not confirm the exact date of his return but made it clear that he intends to participate in the upcoming polls.
‘The People Will Decide the Next Prime Minister’
When asked about his role in the next election and whether he sees himself as a contender for the position of prime minister, Tarique said the matter lies in the hands of the people and the party:
“When an election, a true people’s election, is held, I certainly cannot distance myself. Naturally, I will be in the field, Insha’Allah.”
On the question of leadership, he added:
“This decision belongs to the people of Bangladesh. It is not my decision. The people will make this decision. As for the BNP’s decision on leadership, that is for the party to decide.”
‘No Individual Mastermind Behind July Uprising’
Addressing the historic July Uprising that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape, Tarique Rahman dismissed the notion that he was the mastermind behind it.
“No, I certainly never see myself as the mastermind of this movement,” he said. “The uprising that culminated in 5 August began many years ago. It was not confined to any political group.”
Tarique described the uprising as a movement of ordinary citizens:
“We saw madrasa students, housewives, farmers, labourers, small traders, garment workers, even retired military officers taking to the streets. Journalists who faced persecution under the previous regime also joined. This was the movement of the democracy-seeking people of Bangladesh — they are the masterminds.”
Lifting of Media Ban and the Struggle to Speak
In response to questions about his long silence in mainstream media, Tarique highlighted the restrictions imposed by the former Awami League regime:
“During the time of the previous autocratic government, a court order effectively shut down my right to speak. Even if the media wanted to publish my statements, they couldn’t. That’s how they tried to silence me.”
He added that despite the ban, he continued communicating through alternative means:
“I have spoken, even if you couldn’t publish or broadcast it. I did not stop.”
The High Court lifted the ban in August 2024, ending nearly a decade-long restriction on the publication and broadcast of his statements in Bangladesh. The original ban was imposed in 2015 following his call for continued anti-government protests until Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
A Significant Return to the Spotlight
This interview marks a significant public re-emergence for Tarique Rahman, who has maintained a low profile since leaving the country in 2008. As the nation moves toward a potentially pivotal election, his words signal both political intent and emotional return.
Part two of the interview will air tomorrow (7 October) at 9 AM on BBC Bangla’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
