Bangladesh polls are just a few days away. The 13th national parliamentary election in Bangladesh is scheduled for February 12. In this situation, Tarique Rahman, the chairperson of the main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and son of the recently deceased leader Khaleda Zia, has returned to the country after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. He is the BNP candidate for the Bogura-6 constituency in this election.
Considering the current situation in the country, the BNP is energised by the return of the ‘Dark Prince’ ahead of the elections. But Tarique did not return to his motherland alone; he is accompanied by his daughter Zaima and wife Zubaida Rahman.
On Thursday, even before receiving the official symbol from the Election Commission, Tarique launched his election campaign from Sylhet, his in-laws’ area. He arrived in the Silam area of Sylhet on Wednesday night, which is the hometown of his wife Zubaida Rahman. Tarique is considered a son-in-law of the area, and therefore highly respected. Taking advantage of this, Tarique appealed to the people to ensure the victory of the ‘Paddy Sheaf’ symbol.
Tarique Rahman arrived at his in-laws’ house in Silam Union at midnight on Wednesday accompanied by wife Zubaida Rahman. A large crowd gathered to see Khaleda Zia’s son and daughter-in-law even at that hour! Addressing them, Tarique said, “According to the Election Commission’s rules, we can now officially ask for votes for the ‘Paddy Sheaf’. The ‘Paddy Sheaf’ must be victorious.”
He further said, “After a long time, after many years, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, a daughter of your area, and I have come home. Now that your daughter has come, you must protect her honour. And that honor will only be ensured when the ‘Paddy Sheaf’ is victorious here.” In a typical campaign style, Tarique asked the crowd, “From this area, from Biraimpur, South Surma, will you be able to ensure the victory of the ‘Paddy Sheaf’ symbol?” In response, the assembled crowd assured him of their support for the BNP.
Tarique Rahman appeals to Bangladesh’s youth
On Thursday morning, Tarique also campaigned among the younger generation. The BNP chairman participated in a discussion titled ‘The Plan, Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman’ in Sylhet.
Notably, in his first speech after returning to the country, Tarique had said, “I have a plan.” Is he now gradually putting that plan into action through public relations? Because at that meeting, Tarique listened to the suggestions of Bangladesh’s youth and also had an open discussion with them on various issues related to nation-building. Later, he formally attended his first election rally at the Aliah Madrasah grounds.
According to political analysts, the BNP wants to capitalise on the enthusiasm surrounding Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and the trust he has built among the general public with his “I have a plan” rhetoric.
However, there is a counter-argument. Many believe that given the current situation in Bangladesh, the general public wants to see someone with an absolutely clean image in power. Tarique, on the other hand, has faced allegations of corruption in the past, although he has now been acquitted of all those charges. Nevertheless, as the elections approach, his political life will be scrutinized. Opposition parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP could use the corruption allegations against Tarique as a weapon.
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