Bangladesh's Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman, in his first reaction after victory in the recent general elections, said, "From today we are free" and "we have paved the way for democracy in the country." He also called on citizens and political leaders to "remain united," saying he believes that "national unity is our collective strength."&nbsp;"This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy; this victory belongs to the people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy," Rahman said in his first speech since the election.&nbsp;On the issue of ties with India, Rehman stated that Bangladesh's foreign policy will be centred on intestes of the nation and its people.&nbsp;"We have cleared ourselves regarding the foreign policy, which is in the interest of Bangladesh, and the interest of the Bangladeshi people comes first. By protecting the interests of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people, we will decide our foreign policy," Rahman said in response to a question on the party's diplomatic priorities.&nbsp;Rahman led the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in the 13th general elections, clinching 207 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) won 69 seats, its biggest-ever tally.&nbsp;Tarique Rahman, the son of late BNP leader Khaleda Zia, only returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. He won the contested elections held after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster in a violent uprising in 2024, which ended her 15-year rule. The Interim Government, led by Muhammad Yunus, barred Hasina's Awami League from contesting the elections and conducting political activities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-jesus-watches-over-her-whoops-disturbing-epstein-files-email-mocking-young-victim-s-faith-goes-viral-1771055911141">'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral</a>&nbsp;His father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Khaleda Zia, served three terms as prime minister and dominated national politics for decades.Highlighting the challenges ahead for his upcoming government, Rahman stated, "We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and structural institutions, and a breakdown of law and order."&nbsp;He adopted a conciliatory tone towards opposition political parties, saying, "Your ideas and perspectives are important to us in the nation-building process," and added that, "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united."&nbsp;&nbsp;The BNP leader mentioned that "A total of 51 political parties participated in this election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, among others," asserting wide participation and the validity of the elections, as critics raised doubts over the ban on the Awami League from contesting polls.

Rahman led the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in the 13th general elections, clinching 207 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) won 69 seats, its biggest-ever tally.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman, in his first reaction after victory in the recent general elections, said, "From today we are free" and "we have paved the way for democracy in the country." He also called on citizens and political leaders to "remain united," saying he believes that "national unity is our collective strength." "This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy; this victory belongs to the people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy," Rahman said in his first speech since the election. On the issue of ties with India, Rehman stated that Bangladesh's foreign policy will be centred on intestes of the nation and its people. "We have cleared ourselves regarding the foreign policy, which is in the interest of Bangladesh, and the interest of the Bangladeshi people comes first. By protecting the interests of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people, we will decide our foreign policy," Rahman said in response to a question on the party's diplomatic priorities. Rahman led the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in the 13th general elections, clinching 207 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) won 69 seats, its biggest-ever tally. Tarique Rahman, the son of late BNP leader Khaleda Zia, only returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. He won the contested elections held after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster in a violent uprising in 2024, which ended her 15-year rule. The Interim Government, led by Muhammad Yunus, barred Hasina's Awami League from contesting the elections and conducting political activities. Also Read: 'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral His father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Khaleda Zia, served three terms as prime minister and dominated national politics for decades. Highlighting the challenges ahead for his upcoming government, Rahman stated, "We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and structural institutions, and a breakdown of law and order." He adopted a conciliatory tone towards opposition political parties, saying, "Your ideas and perspectives are important to us in the nation-building process," and added that, "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united." The BNP leader mentioned that "A total of 51 political parties participated in this election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, among others," asserting wide participation and the validity of the elections, as critics raised doubts over the ban on the Awami League from contesting polls.

Rahman led the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in the 13th general elections, clinching 207 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) won 69 seats, its biggest-ever tally.

'Interest of Bangladeshi people comes first': PM-in-waiting Tarique Rahman on ties with India

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday (Dec 27) completed formalities to enlist himself on the national voters list in Dhaka and obtain a national identity (NID) card after ending his over 17 years of self-exile in London. The 60-year-old was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and barrister daughter Zaima Rahman, who is expected to have a greater role in Bangladesh's politics in future as she also completed her registration formalities.&nbsp;Rahman visited the Dhaka University on Saturday and offered respects at the grave of slain student leader Osman Hadi amid tight security. He also paid his respects at the grave of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.&nbsp;Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead earlier this month. A key figure in the July 2024 uprising that brought down the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, his killing has sparked a new wave of violence and deepened political unrest in the country.&nbsp;The son of late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman's visit marked a significant moment in Bangladesh's ongoing political crisis as he is expected to take over full leadership of the BNP from his ailing mother.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-500-arrested-arms-and-drugs-seized-in-national-capital-as-delhi-police-launch-pre-new-year-drive-1766832666986">Over 500 arrested, arms and drugs seized in national capital as Delhi Police launch pre-New Year drive</a>&nbsp;The public appearances of Rehman's only daughter, Zaima Rahman, who is trained as a barrister in the United Kingdom, also sparked speculation of her being the new youth symbol of renewal for the party. With Tarique attempting to establish a new connection with Bangladeshis ahead of national polls in February 2026, Zaima could play a crucial role.&nbsp;Rahman was arrested during the 2007 caretaker government and spent about 18 months in prison before travelling to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment. After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, he has emerged as a leading contender for the prime minister’s post in the February general elections.

After completing his registration, Rahman visited Dhaka University, where he offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi under tight security.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday (Dec 27) completed formalities to enlist himself on the national voters list in Dhaka and obtain a national identity (NID) card after ending his over 17 years of self-exile in London. The 60-year-old was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and barrister daughter Zaima Rahman, who is expected to have a greater role in Bangladesh's politics in future as she also completed her registration formalities. Rahman visited the Dhaka University on Saturday and offered respects at the grave of slain student leader Osman Hadi amid tight security. He also paid his respects at the grave of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead earlier this month. A key figure in the July 2024 uprising that brought down the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, his killing has sparked a new wave of violence and deepened political unrest in the country. The son of late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman's visit marked a significant moment in Bangladesh's ongoing political crisis as he is expected to take over full leadership of the BNP from his ailing mother. Also Read: Over 500 arrested, arms and drugs seized in national capital as Delhi Police launch pre-New Year drive The public appearances of Rehman's only daughter, Zaima Rahman, who is trained as a barrister in the United Kingdom, also sparked speculation of her being the new youth symbol of renewal for the party. With Tarique attempting to establish a new connection with Bangladeshis ahead of national polls in February 2026, Zaima could play a crucial role. Rahman was arrested during the 2007 caretaker government and spent about 18 months in prison before travelling to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment. After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, he has emerged as a leading contender for the prime minister’s post in the February general elections.

After completing his registration, Rahman visited Dhaka University, where he offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi under tight security.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman enrolls as voter, pays tribute to Osman Hadi, signals daughter Zaima’s political debut

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman returned to his country 17 years after living in self-imposed exile. Supporters gathered in large numbers to welcome the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader. Soon after his arrival in Dhaka, his wife Zubaida and daughter Zaima headed to House No. 196 on Gulshan Avenue, while the BNP leader, who stepped into the Bangladeshi soil barefoot, headed to the venue of his rally in a red and green bulletproof bus. Addressing his supporters, the aspiring prime minister and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, invoked Martin Luther King Jr and paid his tributes to radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was killed recently by unidentified gunmen.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">তারেক রহমানকে বরণ করে নিতে সকাল থেকেই জনসমূদ্র ঢাকা মহানগরী | 25 Dec 2025 <a href="https://t.co/sTFVj8pnj4">https://t.co/sTFVj8pnj4</a>&mdash; Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) <a href="https://twitter.com/bdbnp78/status/2004012912864800931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Tarique Rahman pays tribute to Osman Hadi</h2>Speaking about the upcoming elections, Rahman said that whosoever will be chosen after the polls, will uphold the justice system. Attempting to strike a sympathetic chord with the supporters, Rahman recalled his ailing mother Khaleda Zia and said, “As a son, my heart and soul is beside my mother near her hospital bed, but I have a duty. We have a duty. We will work together to build our Bangladesh.” He also recalled the 2024 uprising that forced former PM Sheikh Hasina to flee the country and said, “We liberated Bangladesh in 1971. We liberated it again in 2024.” Referring to Martin Luther's 'I have a dream' speech, Rahman said, "I have a plan, for the people of my country." "We need to safeguard peace in Bangladesh at any cost. Be it men, women, or children, upholding the peace and dignity of Bangladesh should always be the first priority. We will all work together and build our desired Bangladesh," said Rahman. Soon after his speech, he rushed to the hospital to meet his mother at Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara.&nbsp;Upon his arrival, Rahman wrote on Facebook: “Finally in Sylhet, on the soil of Bangladesh!” Chief Adviser of the interim government, Shafiqul Alam, said that Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladeshi government is making "every effort" to ensure adequate security for Tarique Rahman.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bangladesh-home-ministry-official-resigns-tariq-rahman-returns-amid-pressure-on-yunus-what-s-latest-from-bangladesh-1766652351022">Bangladesh Home ministry official resigns, Tariq Rahman returns amid pressure on Yunus — What's latest from Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;Rahman has returned to Bangladesh amid renewed chaos in the country after the killing of Hadi and a Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das. He is seen as a frontrunner for the Prime Minister's post ahead of keenly watched elections scheduled for February 2026. Meanwhile, interim leader Muhammad Yunus is facing massive pressure over the killing of Hadi. Amid the unrest special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the interim government on Home Affairs, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, resigned from his position. Hadi's brother has accused the current dispensation of killing his brother and has warned that they too will be forced to flee the country, similar to Hasina, if his brither's perpetrators are not brought to justice.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khaleda-zia-s-son-tarique-rahman-returns-to-bangladesh-after-17-years-in-exile-gets-grand-welcome-1766643942201">Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, gets grand welcome</a>

After returning to Bangladesh after 17 years, BNP acting chief Tarique Rahman addressed a rally in Dhaka, repeatedly calling for peace and stability. He is set to visit his ailing mother Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital, as party supporters gathered in large numbers.

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman returned to his country 17 years after living in self-imposed exile. Supporters gathered in large numbers to welcome the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader. Soon after his arrival in Dhaka, his wife Zubaida and daughter Zaima headed to House No. 196 on Gulshan Avenue, while the BNP leader, who stepped into the Bangladeshi soil barefoot, headed to the venue of his rally in a red and green bulletproof bus. Addressing his supporters, the aspiring prime minister and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, invoked Martin Luther King Jr and paid his tributes to radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was killed recently by unidentified gunmen.

After returning to Bangladesh after 17 years, BNP acting chief Tarique Rahman addressed a rally in Dhaka, repeatedly calling for peace and stability. He is set to visit his ailing mother Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital, as party supporters gathered in large numbers.

'Liberation of 2024, sacrifice by Hadi, and hope for unity': Tarique Rahman pitches 'new Bangladesh' plan in first speech after arrival

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'Interest of Bangladeshi people comes first': PM-in-waiting Tarique Rahman on ties with India

BNP chief enrolls as voter, signals daughter Zaima’s entry in Bangladesh politcs

Tarique Rahman pitches 'new Bangladesh' plan in first speech after arrival