Tareque Rahman, the elder son of former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is a significant political figure in Bangladesh. His ascent in politics is intertwined with the history of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the broader political developments in Bangladesh over the past few decades. To understand Tareque Rahman’s rise, it is essential to examine his family’s legacy, his involvement in the BNP, his strategic influence on Bangladeshi politics, and the controversies surrounding him.

Tareque Rahman was born on November 20, 1967, in Karachi, Pakistan, while his father was serving in the Pakistan Army. His father, Ziaur Rahman, would later become one of the most prominent leaders in Bangladesh’s history. Ziaur Rahman played a pivotal role in the country’s Liberation War in 1971 and became Bangladesh’s President in 1977, founding the BNP. Growing up in a politically influential family, Tareque was exposed to the complexities of Bangladeshi politics from a young age.
Tareque pursued his education at the University of Dhaka, where he studied International Relations. His academic background, coupled with his family’s political legacy, provided him with a solid foundation for a future in politics. His early life was marked by the assassination of his father in 1981, an event that deeply affected him and his family. This tragedy also thrust his mother, Khaleda Zia, into the political arena, where she would eventually become a two-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Tareque Rahman’s formal entry into politics began in the 1990s when the BNP was re-establishing itself as a major political force in Bangladesh. During this period, his mother Khaleda Zia became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time in 1991, following a period of military rule. Tareque’s involvement in the BNP grew gradually, and by the late 1990s, he had started playing a more active role within the party.
Tareque Rahman’s rise in the BNP was largely a result of his efforts to modernise the party’s structure and strategy. He was instrumental in forming the BNP’s youth wing, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), which played a key role in mobilising young voters and expanding the party’s grassroots support base. As Tareque became more involved in the BNP, he earned a reputation for being a dynamic organiser and strategist. His efforts were aimed at revamping the BNP’s image and making it more appealing to younger generations.
By the early 2000s, Tareque Rahman had emerged as one of the most influential figures in the BNP, second only to his mother, Khaleda Zia. His strategic acumen and political manoeuvring skills were evident in his ability to consolidate power within the party. Tareque was known for his hands-on approach to politics, often meeting with party workers, youth leaders, and grassroots activists to understand their concerns and build a loyal support base.
Tareque’s influence extended beyond party politics. He played a significant role in shaping government policies during the BNP’s time in power from 2001 to 2006. His involvement in key decision-making processes earned him the nickname “Mr. Ten Percent,” a reference to allegations that he received commissions on government contracts. These allegations, however, were never proven in a court of law, and Tareque has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
One of Tareque’s most significant contributions to the BNP was his role in forging alliances with other political parties and groups. His ability to build coalitions was evident in the BNP’s success in forming a four-party alliance that won the 2001 general elections. This alliance, which included the BNP, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jatiya Party, and the Islami Oikya Jote, allowed the BNP to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament and form a stable government.
Despite his growing influence, Tareque Rahman’s political career has been marred by numerous controversies and legal battles. His name has been linked to several high-profile corruption cases, including the Zia Orphanage Trust case and the August 21 grenade attack case. In 2007, Tareque was arrested by the military-backed caretaker government on charges of corruption and abuse of power. His arrest was part of a broader anti-corruption drive aimed at curbing the influence of political dynasties in Bangladesh.
Tareque’s imprisonment and subsequent legal battles took a toll on his political career and personal life. He was released on bail in 2008, after which he left Bangladesh for the United Kingdom, citing health reasons. Since then, Tareque has lived in exile in London, where he continues to play an active role in BNP politics. Despite his physical absence from Bangladesh, Tareque remains a central figure in the party, often participating in strategy meetings and issuing directives through video conferences.
The legal challenges facing Tareque Rahman are a significant aspect of his political journey. In 2018, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the August 21 grenade attack case, a verdict that has been widely criticised by BNP supporters as politically motivated. Tareque has denied any involvement in the attack and has vowed to appeal the verdict. His legal battles continue to be a source of tension in Bangladeshi politics, with the BNP and the ruling Awami League often trading accusations over the issue.
Tareque Rahman’s leadership style and vision for the BNP have been subjects of much debate and speculation. Supporters view him as a reformist leader who is committed to modernising the party and making it more responsive to the needs of ordinary Bangladeshis. They credit him with revitalising the BNP’s organisational structure and expanding its support base among young voters. Tareque’s emphasis on grassroots mobilisation and youth engagement has been a key factor in the BNP’s resilience as a political force in Bangladesh.
Critics, however, argue that Tareque’s leadership is characterised by authoritarianism and a lack of transparency. They accuse him of running the BNP like a family business and of prioritising loyalty over competence. These criticisms have been amplified by allegations of corruption and abuse of power, which have tarnished his image and that of the BNP. Despite these challenges, Tareque remains a polarising figure in Bangladeshi politics, with a loyal base of supporters who believe in his vision for the country.
Tareque’s vision for the BNP is rooted in his belief in a nationalist, inclusive, and economically prosperous Bangladesh. He has often spoken about the need to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence from external influences, a theme that resonates with many BNP supporters. Tareque’s emphasis on economic development and social justice is also central to his vision for the BNP. He advocates for policies that promote job creation, poverty alleviation, and social equity, believing that these are essential for building a strong and prosperous Bangladesh.
Since going into exile in the United Kingdom in 2008, Tareque Rahman has remained an influential figure in BNP politics. Despite being away from Bangladesh for over a decade, he continues to play a key role in shaping the party’s strategy and policies. His influence is evident in the BNP’s decision-making processes, with many senior leaders often consulting him on important matters.
Tareque’s continued involvement in BNP politics from abroad has raised questions about the party’s leadership structure and its ability to function without him. Some analysts argue that his absence has weakened the BNP and made it more difficult for the party to effectively challenge the ruling Awami League. However, others believe that Tareque’s exile has allowed him to maintain a certain level of autonomy and distance from the political turmoil in Bangladesh, enabling him to focus on long-term strategy and planning.
Tareque Rahman’s life in exile has also been marked by his efforts to engage with the Bangladeshi diaspora and build support for the BNP abroad. He has regularly addressed BNP supporters and activists through video conferences, urging them to remain committed to the party’s ideals and to work towards a democratic Bangladesh. Tareque’s speeches and messages have often focused on the need for unity and resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting his belief in the BNP’s ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Tareque Rahman’s rise in Bangladeshi politics has been marked by significant achievements, controversies, and challenges. As he continues to navigate the complex political landscape of Bangladesh, Tareque faces several key challenges that will shape his future prospects and that of the BNP.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Tareque is the need to address the legal cases against him and clear his name. The corruption allegations and legal battles have significantly impacted his credibility and that of the BNP, making it difficult for the party to present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling Awami League. Tareque’s ability to effectively address these issues and rebuild his image will be crucial to the BNP’s future success.
Another challenge for Tareque is the need to modernise the BNP and make it more responsive to the needs of ordinary Bangladeshis. The party has often been criticised for its lack of internal democracy and its reliance on dynastic politics. Tareque’s leadership will be judged on his ability to implement reforms within the BNP, promote transparency, and foster a culture of meritocracy. This will require him to balance the need for continuity with the demand for change, a task that will not be easy given the party’s entrenched interests.
Tareque also faced the challenge of building a broad-based coalition that can effectively challenge the Awami League was ruling.