Dhaka, Feb 13 (WE THE NAGAS): After nearly two decades in exile, Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is poised to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh following a decisive victory in the country’s 2026 general election.
Rahman, 60, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after spending about 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, stepping into the political spotlight amid major shifts following the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.
Unofficial results suggest the BNP has secured a commanding majority in the 300-member parliament, with reports indicating the party and its allies have won enough seats to form the government. The election, widely regarded as the most competitive in years, also included a constitutional referendum that would introduce reforms such as term limits for the prime minister.
Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies, underscoring his strong electoral support. BJP congratulatory messages poured in from international leaders, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his best wishes and expressing hope for strengthened bilateral ties under Rahman’s future leadership.
Once a controversial figure due to political rivalry and legal battles, Rahman—often dubbed the “dark prince” of Bangladeshi politics—has repositioned his image as a statesman focused on stability, democratic reform, and economic diversification. His return marks a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.