Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine in its prestigious 2026 annual list.
The Bangladeshi leader features in the “Leaders” category alongside global heavyweights, including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The inclusion of Tarique follows a transformative period in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
In a profile written by Time Magazine Editor-at-Large Charlie Campbell, the 57-year-old prime minister is described as having made a dramatic transition from nearly two decades of exile in London to becoming the nation’s leader.
Following the political upheavals of 2024 and ousting of the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Tarique returned to his homeland after 17 years to secure an electoral landslide victory in February 2026.
His return was marked by personal tragedy; his mother, Khaleda Zia, the first female prime minister of Bangladesh, passed away just five days after his arrival in Dhaka. Despite this, Tarique has pledged to focus on national unification and revitalising the economy.
TIME’s recognition of Tarique Rahman comes as he faces significant domestic challenges, including high inflation, youth unemployment, and strained diplomatic relations with India.
Reflecting on his mandate, Tarique told the magazine, “We need to work together, unite, so that people can have their political rights”.
The 2026 TIME100 list, now in its 23rd year, aims to recognise individuals who are redefining the future.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs noted that the selections are driven by the stories and people shaping the world, regardless of whether they are globally famous or influential within specific fields.
The honourees will be celebrated at the TIME100 Summit on 22 April and a gala event on 23 April in New York City.
‘A democratic milestone’
Responding to the announcement, Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, described the inclusion as a “democratic milestone” and a matter of “deep pride.”
In a statement shared on social media, Mahdi remarked that the global recognition underscores Tarique’s “visionary leadership” and his “unwavering courage” during a period when democracy and freedom of expression were under threat.
The Adviser highlighted that Tarique returned to Bangladesh on 25 December last year, marking his arrival with the declaration, “I have a plan.” According to Mahdi, the Prime Minister is now working tirelessly to build a non-discriminatory, inclusive, and integrated nation.
The recognition is viewed as a powerful validation of Tarique ‘s long-standing struggle for the rights of the masses. Mahdi further noted that the prime minister views governance not as an exercise of power, but as a “responsibility” aimed at fostering national unity rather than division.
Notable global honourees
The 2026 list features a diverse array of figures from various sectors who have made a significant global impact:
Political Leaders: Joining Tarique Rahman are Pope Leo XIV, Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Xi Jinping makes his 14th appearance on the list, the most of any individual this year.
Business and Technology: Notable names include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Gwynne Shotwell of SpaceX, and tech pioneer Michael Dell.
Arts and Entertainment: The list includes actors Zoe Saldaña, Ranbir Kapoor, and Dakota Johnson, alongside fashion icon Victoria Beckham and musician Luke Combs.
Sports: Influential athletes such as golfer Scottie Scheffler, snowboarder Chloe Kim, and F1 driver Lando Norris are also recognised.
