Print: 28 Oct 2025
BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in his first interview to mass media in 17 years, has laid bare his patriotism and sincerity to the people of Bangladesh, projecting himself as a capable leader with statesmanlike qualities and offering a fresh political vision for the nation.
In an exclusive virtual interview with BBC Bangla — his first since he left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment in London — Tarique spoke extensively about elections, politics, his personal life, his future plans for the country, and even his love for nature, birds, and animals.
The BBC Bangla interview was released in two parts: the first on Monday morning and the second on Tuesday.
Throughout the conversation, the BNP leader addressed a wide range of issues: the July mass uprising, the upcoming national election, the role of the interim government, BNP’s foreign policy, the sheltering of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the party’s 31-point state reform formula, government-led reform initiatives, political consensus and disagreements over reforms, and BNP’s preparation for the polls.
This was not merely an interview — it marked the opening of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.
For over 15 years, Tarique Rahman has led, from abroad, a popular movement against authoritarianism. Now, speaking in his own voice, he articulated a vision for a new Bangladesh — one that is just, corruption-free and humane, where every citizen can aspire to a better life. His message was clear: the future of Bangladesh must rest on justice, honesty, people’s welfare, true democracy, and the rule of law.
He outlined a country where no one goes hungry, where every young person has access to employment, every family to quality healthcare, and where state institutions are transparent, honest, and devoted to public service.
After a decade and a half of what he termed state-sponsored repression and corruption under the previous “fascist” Awami League regime, Bangladesh, he believes, now stands at the threshold of a new journey. Tarique has positioned himself at the heart of this transition, calling for national unity to build a humane and democratic Bangladesh.
His calm, measured tone and thoughtful choice of words during the BBC interview highlighted his political maturity, deep affection for the people, and love for nature — traits that, he implied, are essential for a true statesman. He also stressed his commitment to democracy by expressing respect for differing opinions on national issues.
Tarique refrained from giving interviews during the previous regime due to a court-imposed ban on publishing or broadcasting his statements. “You surely know that during the time of the past fascist government, an order from the court stopped my right to speak. If I wanted to say something to the media, maybe the media wanted to publish it, but they could not,” he said.
He painted a grim picture of life under the Sheikh Hasina regime, describing the widespread suffering of citizens. He demanded justice for all criminal offences committed during that period. While many consider him the architect of the recent mass uprising, he credited the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh as its true masterminds, a stance that acknowledges varying interpretations of the events.
Demonstrating his respect for democratic pluralism, he remarked: “I have to agree with others, then it is democracy. If I disagree with others, then it is not democracy. What kind of democracy is this? Because democracy means that there will be different opinions. We may agree on many things. We may not agree on everything, we may disagree on some things. This is democracy, this is the essence of democracy.”
Regarding the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, Tarique made it clear that BNP expects it to fulfil its core mission: holding a free and neutral general election after completing essential state reforms.
He announced his intention to return to Bangladesh from London to participate in the next national polls. “I will try my best, I will have the wish, I will have the interest that when the expected election, the election that people want, takes place, I will be there with the people, among the people. For some reasonable reasons maybe, my return has not happened yet. But I think the time has come. I will come back soon.”
Describing his deep attachment to the country, the 58-year-old said, “Physically I may be in this country (UK), but in mind and heart, in every way, I have been in Bangladesh for the last 17 years. For some valid reasons, perhaps my return has not yet happened. But I feel the time has come, Inshallah, I will return very soon.”
He recounted his 17-year political journey, describing in restrained language -- without bitterness -- the oppression his family endured, including the loss of his brother. His emotional recollections of family suffering and the torture of party activists brought tears to many eyes.
Tarique also elaborated on BNP’s strategy for the upcoming election, the Awami League’s politics, trials of its leaders and activists, and the broader election-centred political landscape.
Significantly, he refrained from any talk of personal revenge. Instead, he underscored the need for justice within the framework of the law. “Wrongdoers must face justice — whether that is an individual or a party. Those who have committed oppression must be brought to justice. It could be an individual, or it could be a party,” he said. Emphasising the rule of law over vengeance, he stated, “I do not think that the people can support a party or individual who kills people, commits murders, and loots the country’s resources.”
By placing the Awami League’s alleged crimes under the scrutiny of public morality rather than personal vendetta, he demonstrated political maturity while making a decisive point on a sensitive issue for BNP.
He also shared his criteria for party nominations, revealing his intention to bring capable and “smart” individuals into leadership positions, aligning with the party’s 31-point state reform agenda.
Tarique reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of expression — a cornerstone of democracy. “If we return to power, we will ensure freedom of expression and protect the media. We will also review existing restrictive laws through discussion with journalists and concerned parties,” he pledged.
On foreign policy, he reiterated BNP’s principle of “Bangladesh first”. “In foreign policy, BNP’s guiding philosophy is ‘Bangladesh first.’ My people, my country, my sovereignty — everything else comes after safeguarding these interests,” he declared.
Addressing Bangladesh-India relations, he warned that India would face public resentment if it continued to shelter dictators. “It’s the people of Bangladesh who have decided to remain calm towards them. So, I must stand with my country's people,” he said.
He concluded by stressing that the ultimate goal of BNP’s politics is the welfare of the people, the protection of the country, and its sovereignty. While acknowledging political criticism, he expressed confidence that BNP would act responsibly if given the opportunity, drawing on experience and lessons from the past.
Through this extensive interview, Tarique Rahman answered many lingering questions of the public, clarified party and personal positions on crucial issues, and outlined his vision for rebuilding a nation he believes has been devastated by Awami League rule. His call for national unity, he suggested, must be heeded by all political forces if Bangladesh is to move forward. For citizens, the interview offered a glimpse of a potential future leader.
The writer can be reached at: [email protected]
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Tarique Rahman reveals patriotism and sincerity, offers a new political vision
Interview to mass media after 17 years
BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in his first interview to mass media in 17 years, has laid bare his patriotism and sincerity to the people of Bangladesh, projecting himself as a capable leader with statesmanlike qualities and offering a fresh political vision for the nation.
In an exclusive virtual interview with BBC Bangla — his first since he left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment in London — Tarique spoke extensively about elections, politics, his personal life, his future plans for the country, and even his love for nature, birds, and animals.
The BBC Bangla interview was released in two parts: the first on Monday morning and the second on Tuesday.
Throughout the conversation, the BNP leader addressed a wide range of issues: the July mass uprising, the upcoming national election, the role of the interim government, BNP’s foreign policy, the sheltering of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the party’s 31-point state reform formula, government-led reform initiatives, political consensus and disagreements over reforms, and BNP’s preparation for the polls.
This was not merely an interview — it marked the opening of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.
For over 15 years, Tarique Rahman has led, from abroad, a popular movement against authoritarianism. Now, speaking in his own voice, he articulated a vision for a new Bangladesh — one that is just, corruption-free and humane, where every citizen can aspire to a better life. His message was clear: the future of Bangladesh must rest on justice, honesty, people’s welfare, true democracy, and the rule of law.
He outlined a country where no one goes hungry, where every young person has access to employment, every family to quality healthcare, and where state institutions are transparent, honest, and devoted to public service.
After a decade and a half of what he termed state-sponsored repression and corruption under the previous “fascist” Awami League regime, Bangladesh, he believes, now stands at the threshold of a new journey. Tarique has positioned himself at the heart of this transition, calling for national unity to build a humane and democratic Bangladesh.
His calm, measured tone and thoughtful choice of words during the BBC interview highlighted his political maturity, deep affection for the people, and love for nature — traits that, he implied, are essential for a true statesman. He also stressed his commitment to democracy by expressing respect for differing opinions on national issues.
Tarique refrained from giving interviews during the previous regime due to a court-imposed ban on publishing or broadcasting his statements. “You surely know that during the time of the past fascist government, an order from the court stopped my right to speak. If I wanted to say something to the media, maybe the media wanted to publish it, but they could not,” he said.
He painted a grim picture of life under the Sheikh Hasina regime, describing the widespread suffering of citizens. He demanded justice for all criminal offences committed during that period. While many consider him the architect of the recent mass uprising, he credited the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh as its true masterminds, a stance that acknowledges varying interpretations of the events.
Demonstrating his respect for democratic pluralism, he remarked: “I have to agree with others, then it is democracy. If I disagree with others, then it is not democracy. What kind of democracy is this? Because democracy means that there will be different opinions. We may agree on many things. We may not agree on everything, we may disagree on some things. This is democracy, this is the essence of democracy.”
Regarding the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, Tarique made it clear that BNP expects it to fulfil its core mission: holding a free and neutral general election after completing essential state reforms.
He announced his intention to return to Bangladesh from London to participate in the next national polls. “I will try my best, I will have the wish, I will have the interest that when the expected election, the election that people want, takes place, I will be there with the people, among the people. For some reasonable reasons maybe, my return has not happened yet. But I think the time has come. I will come back soon.”
Describing his deep attachment to the country, the 58-year-old said, “Physically I may be in this country (UK), but in mind and heart, in every way, I have been in Bangladesh for the last 17 years. For some valid reasons, perhaps my return has not yet happened. But I feel the time has come, Inshallah, I will return very soon.”
He recounted his 17-year political journey, describing in restrained language -- without bitterness -- the oppression his family endured, including the loss of his brother. His emotional recollections of family suffering and the torture of party activists brought tears to many eyes.
Tarique also elaborated on BNP’s strategy for the upcoming election, the Awami League’s politics, trials of its leaders and activists, and the broader election-centred political landscape.
Significantly, he refrained from any talk of personal revenge. Instead, he underscored the need for justice within the framework of the law. “Wrongdoers must face justice — whether that is an individual or a party. Those who have committed oppression must be brought to justice. It could be an individual, or it could be a party,” he said. Emphasising the rule of law over vengeance, he stated, “I do not think that the people can support a party or individual who kills people, commits murders, and loots the country’s resources.”
By placing the Awami League’s alleged crimes under the scrutiny of public morality rather than personal vendetta, he demonstrated political maturity while making a decisive point on a sensitive issue for BNP.
He also shared his criteria for party nominations, revealing his intention to bring capable and “smart” individuals into leadership positions, aligning with the party’s 31-point state reform agenda.
Tarique reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of expression — a cornerstone of democracy. “If we return to power, we will ensure freedom of expression and protect the media. We will also review existing restrictive laws through discussion with journalists and concerned parties,” he pledged.
On foreign policy, he reiterated BNP’s principle of “Bangladesh first”. “In foreign policy, BNP’s guiding philosophy is ‘Bangladesh first.’ My people, my country, my sovereignty — everything else comes after safeguarding these interests,” he declared.
Addressing Bangladesh-India relations, he warned that India would face public resentment if it continued to shelter dictators. “It’s the people of Bangladesh who have decided to remain calm towards them. So, I must stand with my country's people,” he said.
He concluded by stressing that the ultimate goal of BNP’s politics is the welfare of the people, the protection of the country, and its sovereignty. While acknowledging political criticism, he expressed confidence that BNP would act responsibly if given the opportunity, drawing on experience and lessons from the past.
Through this extensive interview, Tarique Rahman answered many lingering questions of the public, clarified party and personal positions on crucial issues, and outlined his vision for rebuilding a nation he believes has been devastated by Awami League rule. His call for national unity, he suggested, must be heeded by all political forces if Bangladesh is to move forward. For citizens, the interview offered a glimpse of a potential future leader.
The writer can be reached at: [email protected]