Tarique Rahman, once branded the most controversial heir in Bangladesh’s political establishment, has now stepped into the spotlight as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stormed back to power in Friday’s elections.
For years, Rahman carried the shadowy label of the “dark prince” of Dhaka politics — a figure accused of operating behind the scenes rather than leading from the front. But with the BNP’s sweeping victory, that long chapter of political uncertainty has given way to a defining moment: Tarique is now widely expected to take charge as Bangladesh’s next prime minister.
India, which has been carefully tracking Bangladesh’s turbulent political shifts since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024, wasted no time in signalling its intent to rebuild bridges. New Delhi congratulated Tarique even before final results were formally declared, underlining how eager it is to prevent bilateral ties from slipping further after reaching their lowest point in decades.
According to media reports, for India, the BNP has traditionally been viewed as a more democratic and liberal alternative compared to the ideologically hardline Jamaat-e-Islami. Yet, the history between India and the BNP is complicated — and often bitter. The key question now is whether Tarique’s ascent marks a genuine reset, or whether old mistrust will continue to haunt the relationship.
A New Tone After Years In Exile
Tarique’s return to Bangladesh last December, after spending 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, has already reshaped political discourse in Dhaka. Since coming back, his public messaging has been noticeably more measured than expected.
He has promoted a “Bangladesh First” agenda, echoing the nationalist style of Donald Trump’s “America First” slogan. Crucially, Tarique has insisted that Bangladesh must maintain equal distance from India, China, and Pakistan rather than leaning heavily toward any one power.
This position has been welcomed cautiously in New Delhi, especially after the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus was seen warming up to Islamabad and Beijing in the post-Hasina vacuum.
India-Bangladesh Relations At A Crossroads
Tarique will inherit a relationship with India that is running along two conflicting tracks, said media reports.
On the strategic side, both nations remain deeply interconnected. Geography alone makes India indispensable: Bangladesh shares nearly a 4,000-km border with India, and the two countries are tied through trade, electricity grids, transport corridors, and regional connectivity projects.
However, public sentiment inside Bangladesh has shifted sharply in recent years. Many young Bangladeshis, particularly Gen Z, have grown sceptical of India after Hasina fled to India during the student-led protests, according to media reports. Adding to tensions, India has been reluctant to act on Dhaka’s repeated requests for Hasina’s extradition.
This combination of strategic necessity and public distrust means Tarique must walk a tightrope: repairing ties with India while proving to Bangladeshis that he is not surrendering national interests.
India’s Early Outreach To Tarique
New Delhi appears to have anticipated the BNP’s return long before election day.
When Khaleda Zia, Tarique’s mother and former prime minister, faced serious health concerns last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly expressed support. The BNP responded warmly, an unusual moment of goodwill after years of strained engagement.
Following Zia’s death, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar became the first senior Indian leader to visit Dhaka after the 2024 unrest. During that trip, he met Tarique personally and delivered a letter from Modi — a symbolic step toward re-engagement.
After Friday’s victory, Modi was again among the first global leaders to congratulate Tarique, stating he looked forward to strengthening “multifaceted relations.” The message set the stage for cautious recalibration.
Tarique’s Messaging On India
One of the biggest surprises for India has been Tarique’s effort to project a new political identity.
Long defined by his parents’ legacy, he has attempted to carve out an independent posture, famously declaring: “Not Dilli, Not Pindi — Bangladesh before everything.”
Rather than fuelling anti-India rhetoric, Tarique has spoken of inclusion and stability, even as communal tensions rose sharply after the killing of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Violence during that period included attacks on Hindus, lynchings, and global condemnation, with around 15 Hindus reportedly killed over 45 days.
Tarique struck a conciliatory tone, promising safety for all citizens:
“Religion is individual, but the state belongs to everyone.”
This has created cautious hope that minority protection may become a stronger priority under his leadership.
Unresolved Flashpoints: Water And Borders
Despite softer messaging, Tarique has remained firm on sensitive bilateral issues.
He has promised to pursue a fair water-sharing agreement over the Teesta and Padma rivers, calling it essential for Bangladesh’s survival. He has also vowed to end border killings — a long-standing grievance in Dhaka, especially along West Bengal’s extensive frontier.
These issues could quickly test the limits of any renewed friendship.
The Shadow Of The Past
While Tarique speaks of a fresh start, his past remains controversial.
During the BNP’s last tenure (2001–2006), India-Bangladesh ties hit one of their worst phases. New Delhi accused Dhaka of allowing Pakistani terror networks and northeastern insurgents to operate from Bangladeshi soil. Though Tarique held no formal government post, he was widely believed to be a powerful force operating from the infamous “Hawa Bhaban,” seen as a parallel power centre outside official institutions.
India also linked Tarique to the 2004 Chittagong arms haul case, allegedly involving ULFA militants.
A secret US diplomatic cable in 2005 dubbed him “The Dark Prince,” a title revived in later corruption investigations reported by Bangladeshi media.
Tarique was arrested in 2007, later claiming torture in custody, and left for medical treatment in the UK. Despite his absence, he remained the BNP’s central figure, preventing the party from collapsing.
After Hasina’s fall in August 2024, Tarique was acquitted in multiple cases, including the 2004 grenade attack charges.
What Comes Next
Tarique Rahman now stands at the peak of power after nearly two decades of political exile. His supporters see him as a transformed leader — pragmatic, reform-minded, and ready to steer Bangladesh forward.
Yet, the road ahead is uncertain. How he handles India, minority security, water disputes, and the explosive question of Hasina’s extradition will define whether this is truly “Tarique 2.0” — or whether history will repeat itself.
For India and Bangladesh, the Maitree Express may be preparing for a new journey. The real question is whether the tracks ahead will finally be smoother than the past.
Also Read: Tensions Rise Ahead Of Bangladesh Elections, India Withdraws Families https://www.vibesofindia.com/tensions-rise-ahead-of-bangladesh-elections-india-withdraws-families/
