Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a leading candidate for Prime Minister, has stated that while he expects a decisive victory in this week's election, "huge" challenges await him.
In an interview with the French news agency AFP on Tuesday (February 10), he vowed to repair a nation "looted" under the previous regime.
Speaking from his office in Gulshan, Rahman outlined his vision for a post-election Bangladesh, emphasizing security, economic recovery, and institutional reform.
Immediate Priorities: Security and Stability
If victorious in Thursday’s (February 12) polls, Rahman identified his first priority as restoring law and order to end the political instability that has gripped the country since the 2024 youth-led uprising.
"We need to ensure a normal situation in the country so that people feel safe," Rahman told AFP. He warned that the road ahead for the nation of 170 million will be daunting:
The economy has been destroyed... the health system was destroyed... the energy sector has been destroyed.
Confidence in a "Clear Mandate"
Despite facing a stiff challenge from a coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami, Rahman expressed absolute confidence in his party's performance.
No Need for Coalitions: He stated that he does not foresee needing a coalition outside of his current alliance.
Projected Seat Count: "We will have enough seats to form our own government," he told the news agency.
Legacy and Future Vision
Reflecting on his return to Bangladesh on December 25—following 17 years in exile—and the subsequent death of his mother, former PM Khaleda Zia, Rahman spoke candidly about his political lineage:
Doing Better: While acknowledging the fame of his late parents (Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia), he noted, "They were they, and I am me... I will try to do better than them."
Economic Jobs: He highlighted the need for job creation for Gen-Z and young entrepreneurs, specifically mentioning his concern for the economic empowerment of women.
Foreign Relations and the "Mega-Project" Critique
On the sensitive topic of neighboring India, Rahman struck a cautious, pragmatic tone:
Bangladesh First: "The interest of my people and the interest of my country come first," he said, while adding that he seeks at least a "neighborly relationship" with all surrounding nations.
Critique of Past Governance: He accused the ousted Awami League government of "mega-corruption" in the name of "mega-projects," claiming they enriched a few while leaving the population with nothing.
Stance on Political Bans
Notably, Rahman expressed opposition to the legal banning of political parties. While the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has barred the Awami League from the vote, Rahman argued that individuals—not entire parties—should be punished for crimes.
END/ASA
