Tarique Rahman is a prominent Bangladeshi politician and the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, seeking to reclaim leadership for his party in the upcoming parliamentary elections set for February 2026. He is the son of Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and has taken over the party leadership from her, following her significant political legacy. His candidacy represents the continuation of a political lineage that includes his father, Ziaur Rahman, who served as President of Bangladesh until his assassination in 1981 amid a coup attempt.

Born into a well-known political family in Bogura, Bangladesh, on November 20, 1965, Tarique's early life was steeped in the country’s political tumult. He has faced significant challenges during his political journey, including periods of exile and legal troubles. Despite these hurdles, he has risen through the ranks to claim the leadership role in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has been a major opposition party against the current government. His rise is viewed as vital not only for his party but also for the future direction of Bangladeshi politics, especially with his family’s historic ties to leadership.

As Bangladesh prepares for the crucial 2026 elections, the stakes are high for Rahman and the BNP, as the party aims to galvanize support in a politically charged environment. His campaign will likely focus on his mother’s legacy while attempting to navigate the complex political landscape shaped by both historical tensions and present challenges, including governance, democracy, and opposition rights in a nation that has experienced significant political strife over the decades.