The death of Khaleda Zia has drawn a definitive line under one of the most influential chapters in Bangladesh’s political history. For decades, she was more than a former prime minister or a party chief; she was a symbol of resistance, authority and continuity for millions of supporters who saw her as the embodiment of Bangladeshi nationalism.
As the country mourns her passing, attention has rapidly shifted from remembrance to the future. With national elections approaching and the political landscape dramatically altered, a single question now dominates discussions within and beyond the Bangladesh Nationalist Party: can her son, Tarique Rahman, transform inheritance into leadership?
Khaleda Zia’s absence leaves behind both opportunity and uncertainty. Her legacy offers a powerful foundation, but it also places immense pressure on the next generation to prove that charisma, unity and electoral success can survive without her physical presence.
The End of an Era for the BNP
Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era not only for the BNP but for Bangladesh as a whole. As a three-time prime minister, she helped shape the country’s post-military democratic trajectory and defined a generation of competitive politics.
Even during prolonged periods of illness and political marginalisation, Khaleda remained the party’s moral anchor. Her name alone was often enough to prevent internal fractures and silence leadership disputes.
With her passing, the BNP enters a fully post-Khaleda phase for the first time, removing a unifying figure whose authority was rarely questioned within party ranks.
Tarique Rahman Steps Fully Into the Spotlight
As acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman now stands at the centre of the party’s future. His return to Bangladesh after more than 17 years of self-imposed exile was both symbolic and strategic, signaling readiness to shoulder responsibility at a critical moment.
For supporters, his homecoming was emotional, marking the reunion of a leader with a base that had waited years to see him reclaim a visible role. For critics, it raised questions about preparedness, credibility and political maturity.
Tarique’s challenge is not merely to lead but to convince voters that he represents continuity with evolution rather than inheritance without substance.
Legacy as Strength and Burden
Khaleda Zia’s legacy remains a powerful asset. Her political identity was built around parliamentary democracy, rule of law and civil liberties, themes that continue to resonate with voters dissatisfied with years of authoritarian governance.
BNP leaders insist that Tarique Rahman will carry forward these principles, citing his involvement in drafting reform agendas and coordinating opposition movements in recent years.
Yet analysts caution that legacy can also be a burden. Khaleda’s charisma and historical stature cannot be replicated, and comparisons between mother and son are inevitable.
An Untested Leader at a Defining Moment
Political analysts argue that Tarique Rahman’s leadership remains largely untested in electoral terms. While he has played an organisational role from abroad, leading a nationwide campaign on home soil presents a different set of challenges.
The upcoming election is widely seen as a verdict on his leadership. Success would cement his authority within the party and establish him as a national figure in his own right.
Failure, however, could intensify internal dissent and raise uncomfortable questions about whether the BNP can thrive under dynastic succession alone.
A Transformed Political Landscape
The political environment Tarique Rahman inherits is fundamentally different from the one his mother dominated. The long-standing rivalry between the BNP and the Awami League has been disrupted, leaving behind a fragmented and unpredictable field.
New alliances, youth-led movements and Islamist coalitions have emerged as significant forces, forcing the BNP to compete beyond its traditional base.
This shift demands adaptability, coalition-building and policy clarity, qualities that will test Tarique’s strategic instincts.
The Shadow of July 2024
The July 2024 upheaval reshaped Bangladesh’s political consciousness, mobilising a generation of voters driven by anger, aspiration and demand for accountability.
Tarique Rahman has sought to align himself with this sentiment by honouring victims of the unrest and reaffirming opposition to authoritarianism.
Whether these gestures translate into lasting trust among younger voters remains a critical question.
Party Unity Without Khaleda Zia
For years, Khaleda Zia’s presence suppressed factionalism within the BNP. Disagreements existed, but few dared challenge her authority openly.
Without her, Tarique must rely on consensus-building rather than reverence. Managing senior leaders, grassroots activists and competing ambitions will require political finesse.
Some party members acknowledge that internal disagreements are inevitable, but argue that strong leadership can turn diversity into strength.
Questions of Discipline and Governance
Beyond leadership symbolism, the BNP faces practical challenges related to discipline and public perception. Allegations involving party activists have periodically surfaced, threatening to undermine reformist messaging.
Party advisers say mechanisms are being developed to address internal misconduct and restore public trust.
For Tarique Rahman, demonstrating control and accountability within the party may be as important as winning votes.
Public Sentiment and Emotional Politics
Politics in Bangladesh is deeply emotional, shaped by memories, family legacies and personal encounters with leaders.
For many supporters, loyalty to the BNP is inseparable from memories of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, whose presence felt personal rather than distant.
Tarique Rahman must now forge his own emotional connection with voters, transforming inherited loyalty into earned support.
Foreign Policy and National Interest Debate
Tarique Rahman’s long absence abroad has fueled speculation about external influence and international dynamics.
BNP leaders strongly reject claims that foreign actors shaped the timing of his return, insisting that national interest will guide future policy decisions.
Nevertheless, navigating regional relationships will be another test of his leadership credentials.
The Election as a Defining Verdict
The February election represents more than a contest for power. It is a referendum on whether the BNP can renew itself without its historic leader.
Analysts say the party’s conduct, discipline and commitment to peaceful democratic participation will reflect directly on Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
A credible performance could mark the beginning of a new chapter, while missteps could deepen uncertainty.
From Inheritance to Authority
Khaleda Zia’s legacy provides Tarique Rahman with a powerful starting point, but not a guaranteed destination.
Authority in Bangladesh’s volatile political arena must be earned through resilience, vision and results.
As the nation moves from mourning to mobilisation, the question remains unresolved: will Tarique Rahman build upon his mother’s legacy, or will history demand a different kind of leadership altogether?
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
