From Exile to Power: Tarique Rahman’s Historic Bangladesh Victory

DHAKA — In a political comeback of unprecedented scale, Tarique Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Following a decisive landslide victory in the February 12, 2026 General Elections, Rahman’s journey from nearly two decades of self-imposed exile in London to the seat of power in Dhaka marks a dramatic reset for the nation.

The BNP and its allies secured a commanding majority, capturing at least 212 of the 299 contested seats. This victory officially ends the interim tenure of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus and fills the political vacuum left by the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

The Long Road from Kingston to Dhaka

Tarique Rahman’s rise is the culmination of 17 years of survival and strategy from abroad.

• The Exile (2008–2025): Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment in the UK. For 17 years, he led the BNP via digital platforms, keeping the party unified despite a media blackout and multiple convictions in absentia under the previous regime.

• The Return (Christmas 2025): Rahman returned to a hero’s welcome on December 25, 2025, following the overturning of his convictions by the courts after the July Revolution. His return was bittersweet, occurring just days after the passing of his mother and former PM, Khaleda Zia.

Historic Firsts for Tarique Rahman

This election is more than just a change of guard; it represents a series of "firsts" in Bangladeshi history:

1. The First Male Prime Minister Since 1991

For the last 35 years, Bangladesh's top office was held exclusively by two women: Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia (the "Battling Begums"). Tarique Rahman breaks this streak, becoming the first male PM in over three decades.

2. A First-Time Member of Parliament

Despite being a political powerhouse for years, Tarique Rahman had never held an elected seat in the Jatiya Sangsad. In 2026, he contested and won from two constituencies—Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6—marking his first-ever term as an elected legislator before assuming the premiership.

3. The Digital Command Victory

Rahman is the first leader in South Asia to successfully orchestrate a winning national campaign almost entirely from abroad. His "digital command" from London over the past decade transformed the BNP into a modern, grassroots-connected machine that survived 15 years of suppression.

4. Legacy of Two Prime Ministers

Rahman is the first in Bangladesh to follow the footsteps of both a father (Ziaur Rahman) and a mother (Khaleda Zia) into the office of the Prime Minister.

The 2026 Mandate: The "July Charter"

The 2026 election was held alongside a historic National Referendum on constitutional reforms. Voters overwhelmingly approved the "July Charter," which introduces:

• Term Limits: A two-term, 10-year limit for the Prime Minister to prevent future autocracy.

• Judicial Independence: Stronger protections to ensure courts remain independent of political influence.

• Neutral Interim Governments: Reinstating neutral oversight for all future elections.

Tarique Rahman’s transition from a "fugitive in exile" to a "Prime Minister with a landslide mandate" is a story of political resilience. As he steps into the role, he carries the weight of a nation eager for economic stability, the rule of law, and an end to the "era of vengeance."