Following a decisive election victory, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman now faces a crucial question — can he deliver meaningful change?

The BNP’s return to power marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, ending over 15 years of dominance by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League.

🔄 Power shift or real change?

Bangladesh’s politics has long been dominated by a cycle of power between the Awami League and the BNP.

While this election may represent another shift in that cycle, it is also the first time Tarique Rahman has formally led his party into an election.

He took over leadership following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who led the party for decades.

⚖️ Experience vs expectations

Tarique Rahman, 60, remains a largely untested political leader.

He has faced corruption allegations and spent 17 years in exile in London before returning to Bangladesh shortly before his mother’s death.

However, some analysts argue that his lack of political baggage could work in his favour.

“People are willing to give a new leader a chance,” says political scientist Nawin Murshid, pointing to strong public demand for change.

🧭 Key challenges ahead

The new government faces multiple challenges:

• restoring law and order
• reviving the economy
• reducing food prices
• creating jobs for young people

Violence following the fall of the previous government has made stability a top priority.

👩‍🎓 Youth expectations

The youth, who played a major role in the 2024 “July uprising”, are watching closely.

“We don’t want to fight again. We want a corruption-free country,” one student said.

There are also warnings that public protests could return if expectations are not met.

🏛️ Emerging political forces

The election has also seen the rise of new political actors:

• the re-emergence of Jamaat-e-Islami
• the entry of the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by student leaders

This reflects a shifting political landscape in Bangladesh.

⚠️ Democracy and credibility

While the BNP has pledged to restore democracy, Bangladesh has a long history of broken promises in this regard.

The exclusion of the Awami League from the election has also raised concerns about its credibility.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dismissed the election as “fraudulent” and called for a new vote.

🔮 The road ahead

Whether Tarique Rahman can deliver change will depend on:

• rebuilding democratic institutions
• tackling corruption
• maintaining public trust

The coming months are likely to be decisive for Bangladesh’s political future.