More than a decade of uncertainty and organisational drift within the main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), began to ease after the election schedule was announced. However, the death of its long-time leader Khaleda Zia has presented the party with its most serious challenge yet: maintaining internal stability and preserving its political credibility in national politics.
That responsibility has now fallen squarely on the shoulders of Tarique Rahman, the party’s prospective chairman.
Political analysts say Tarique Rahman’s task goes beyond managing a large political organisation. He must also re-establish BNP as a credible national political force. Without a clear assessment of the party’s past experiences, mistakes and structural limitations, they argue that goal will be difficult to achieve.
Party sources acknowledge that internal discipline and unity remain significant problems for BNP. From the grassroots to the central leadership, there is a reported lack of trust, organisational weakness and persistent disputes over candidate nominations. These divisions could pose major challenges both in managing the party and selecting candidates for the upcoming election.
Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and his decision to lead the party directly have boosted confidence among activists. However, several senior party figures believe that sustaining this momentum will require firm organisational reforms and tighter internal controls.
The prospect of BNP winning the upcoming election and forming a government has also brought renewed scrutiny of its record in power. If the party returns to office, controlling bribery, corruption, political violence and extortion will be a major test for Tarique Rahman.
During previous periods in government, such allegations significantly damaged the BNP’s public image. Analysts warn that unless the party adopts clear positions and visible enforcement measures, public support may not be sustainable. They argue that Rahman will need to take a hard line to prevent individuals associated with corruption or violence from exerting influence within the party.
Professor Sabbir Ahmed of Dhaka University’s political science department says BNP must begin with a frank assessment of its own mistakes. He argues that decisions taken during the rule of party founder Ziaur Rahman and later under Khaleda Zia’s governments—across politics, the economy and foreign policy—need to be critically reviewed.
According to Professor Ahmed, the BNP’s foreign policy in particular lacked consistency and strategic clarity in the past. Unless these shortcomings are addressed, he says, rebuilding international confidence will remain difficult.
Foreign relations present another layer of challenge for Rahman. Questions remain about the BNP’s past approach to relations with Western countries, neighbouring states and regional powers. Some within diplomatic circles argue that the party now needs to present a more pragmatic and balanced foreign policy framework—one that safeguards national interests while ensuring sustained international cooperation.
Salauddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, told TIMES of Bangladesh that Tarique Rahman’s recent statements suggest a shift away from confrontational and retaliatory politics. At public events, he has spoken of unity, reconstruction and a broader focus on statecraft rather than narrow party interests.
While this message has been welcomed by some observers, analysts note that turning rhetoric into reality will require changes in party culture. Managing criticism from rival parties, maintaining working relationships with the administration and bureaucracy, and making measured political decisions will all be crucial.
Professor Dilara Chowdhury, a retired political scientist from Jahangirnagar University, believes BNP has drifted significantly from the ideological foundations laid by its founder, Ziaur Rahman. She argues that Rahman’s most important responsibility is to reconnect the party with that ideological base while addressing disorder and factionalism at the grassroots level.
In a recent Facebook post following his mother’s death, Rahman said he intends to carry forward Khaleda Zia’s unfinished mission. Analysts say that transforming this emotional pledge into a concrete political roadmap will be key to strengthening his leadership credentials.
Overall, analysts agree that the list of challenges facing Tarique Rahman is long. Internal party reform, a firm stance against corruption and violence, a credible foreign policy, and a unifying national message will all be critical.
Success on these fronts would, they argue, allow Tarique Rahman to establish himself not only as the leader of BNP but also as a broader national political figure at a time of transition in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
