Tariq Rahman’s strategic and charismatic role served as the centerpiece of Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) historic victory in the 2026 general elections of Bangladesh. Despite a long exile and political challenges, he united the party, attracted young voters and generated a new wave of public support. This victory has emerged as a symbol not only of BNP but also of Tariq Rahman’s leadership ability and political vision.
It can be understood that the politics of Bangladesh has been rotating between two main family-political concepts for decades. Between the legacy of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Prime Minister late Khaleda Zia. In such a situation, the victory of BNP in the 2026 elections and the emerging role of Tariq Rehman indicate that now the leadership of the country can enter a new political phase.
First know about Tariq Rehman
Tariq Rahman, born on 20 November 1965, is a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the party’s chairman. He leads the highest political wing of the party. He received education from Dhaka University and started playing active role in politics. He comes from a political family in the history of Bangladesh. His father Zia ur Rahman was the President of Bangladesh and one of the freedom fighters who was assassinated in 1981.
His mother Begum Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006 and was the chairperson of the BNP. Tariq has been involved in his family’s politics since the early days of his political career and has played a permanent role within the BNP.
When Tariq went to jail at the age of four
Tariq Rahman, often called Tariq Zia in Bangladeshi politics, is known by his family name only. He was only four years old during the liberation war of 1971 and was detained for some time. For this reason, his party BNP honors him by calling him one of the youngest prisoners of war. His political identity is also linked to this family and historical background. Struggle at a young age and family legacy made him a prominent face of Bangladesh politics.
Now know about Tariq Rehman’s mother Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia, mother of Tariq Rahman and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, first started her political career on 3 January 1982 as a member of BNP. She later became the President of BNSP and remained in this position till her death. Khaleda Zia emerged as a leading voice against military rule in Bangladesh. Khaleda Zia played an important role in uniting the people against military rule.
Zia became PM for the first time in 1991
Khaleda Zia became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time in the year 1991. Along with this, she also achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. After this, she became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the second time from 2001 to 2006. Let us tell you that Khaleda Zia was born on 15 August 1946 in Dinajpur district of undivided India. His mother’s name was Taiba and father’s name was Iskandar Majumdar.
Khaleda’s family used to do tea business in Jalpaiguri and migrated from there to Dinajpur. In 1960, Khaleda Zia was married to Army Captain Zia ur Rahman, who later became the President of Bangladesh. In 1983, when Khaleda became the BNP Chief, many senior leaders of her party left the party, doubting Khaleda’s ability.