‘How can I stay away?’: BNP leader Tarique Rahman says he will contest polls, hopes to return ‘very soon’"

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has indicated that he will participate in the upcoming national election and hopes to be in Bangladesh during the polls.

In an interview with BBC Bangla, the BNP's de facto leader spoke about a wide range of issues, including his return home, the leadership of the July Uprising, his party's electoral strategy, candidate selection, ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, and allegations of rampant extortion and land-grabbing.

Tarique, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom since 2008, was asked when he planned to return to Bangladesh.

In response, he said: “Very soon, I think. Very soon, In sha Allah.”

When asked again whether he would be in Bangladesh before the election, the BNP leader said: “Since I am involved in politics -- as a political worker -- it is natural that a political party and its workers are intrinsically tied to elections.

"So when an election is anticipated -- one that the people are waiting for -- how can I stay away from it?" I will make my utmost effort, and have the desire and the enthusiasm to be among the people during the election that the people are expecting. When that election takes place, I will be with the people, among the people, In sha Allah.”

When asked directly about whether he would take part in the election, Tarique said: “Yes, In sha Allah.”

'TIME HAS COME TO RETURN'

More than a year has passed since the fall of the Awami League government in the face of a student-led mass uprising in August 2024, an event widely referred to as the July Uprising.

Many BNP supporters had expected Tarique to return to Bangladesh to take the helm of the party soon afterwards, particularly after he was exonerated in all the cases against him, clearing the last potential legal obstacles to his return.

Asked why, despite these developments, he had still not come back, Tarique referred to "certain valid reasons" and said: "But I think the time has now come. In sha Allah, I will return soon.”

When asked whether he had felt any kind of fear in the meantime, he said: “We have often heard about different kinds of fears from various people. Even from different individuals in the government, we have sometimes heard many such concerns expressed through various channels and media.”

'PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHO BECOMES PRIME MINISTER'

Asked whether he would seek to become prime minister if the BNP won the election, Tarique said: “I think you asked me something similar earlier. I had said that as a political worker, it is only natural for me to be involved -- there is an inseparable link between politics, political parties, and elections.

"So if there is a participatory election -- one that involves the people -- then, of course, I cannot stay away. I must take part. Naturally, I will be on the ground, In sha Allah.

"As for your next question, I think that decision [on who will become the next prime minister] lies with the people of Bangladesh. It is not my decision. The people of Bangladesh will decide.”

When asked whether his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would be able to participate in the election, Tarique said: “I can’t say that yet. As I just mentioned, the matter depends, at least to some extent, on her physical ability.”

‘POLITICS ISN'T HEREDITARY'

BBC Bangla also asked him about the future leadership of the BNP, noting that the party was founded by his father, the late president Ziaur Rahman, and led for four decades by his mother Khaleda, a three-time prime minister.

“Let me put it another way, with full respect to everyone’s opinion. When a doctor’s child becomes a doctor, sometimes they do well, sometimes they don’t. When a lawyer’s child follows the same path, sometimes they become as good as their parents, sometimes not.

"The same goes for politics. Many politicians’ children have entered politics. Have they all done well? No, they haven't.  Some have succeeded, some haven’t.

He continued, "If you are referring to me, then I would say this: in a country like Bangladesh, those involved in politics over the past 17 years, and even before that, have often faced harassment. They have been victims of fabricated cases. Many of our leaders and activists have been subjected to physical torture, imprisonment, and oppression. Their homes have been demolished. These are just a few examples.

“Can you say that I haven't gone through any of these? I have gone through all of these things. I have been physically tortured -- I still bear the marks of that torture. I have been imprisoned and subjected to false propaganda. I have come through all of it.

"That is why I say politics isn't hereditary. It is based on support. Whoever can organise the people, unite them, and move the party forward will succeed. Whoever cannot, will not. Time and circumstances will tell.”

BBC Bangla published the first part of its interview with the BNP leader on its website, Facebook page and YouTube channel on Monday. The second part of the interview, covering the BNP’s election plans in greater detail, will be released on Tuesday.