The exiled heir to the BNP dynasty prepares to take the reins as Prime Minister, promising stability after a landslide victory that ends years of political turmoil.

Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is poised to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Following a landslide election victory that decimated the ruling Awami League, Rahman’s ascent marks the return of the Zia dynasty to the pinnacle of power. For his supporters, it is a moment of vindication; for his detractors, it is the return of a polarizing "prince."

The Return of the Exile

Rahman has spent over a decade in London, fleeing what he termed political persecution. His years in exile were spent orchestrating the party`s survival against a crackdown by the previous regime. Now, with the electorate delivering a decisive mandate, he is preparing to fly back to Dhaka not as a fugitive, but as a leader. "The people have spoken against tyranny," Rahman said in a video address from London. "Now begins the hard work of rebuilding our democracy."

• The Legacy: As the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former PM Khaleda Zia, Tarique carries the weight of a powerful political lineage. His challenge will be to step out of their shadow and define his own era.
• The Challenges: He inherits an economy in distress and a deeply divided society. His immediate priority will be to restore law and order and reassure international investors.

A Nation at the Crossroads

Bangladesh’s politics have long been defined by the bitter rivalry between the BNP and the Awami League. Rahman’s victory is seen as a rejection of the authoritarian turn of the previous years. However, questions remain about his governance style. Critics point to his past allegations of corruption, charges he vehemently denies as politically motivated.

As Dhaka prepares for his homecoming, the atmosphere is electric with a mix of hope and anxiety. The world is watching to see if Rahman can transition from a combative opposition leader to a unifying statesman. The "Dhaka Spring" has arrived, but the summer heat of governance awaits.