Tarique Rahman Takes Charge of BNP, Rejects Return to Pre-August 5 Politics

• Tarique Rahman appointed chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after his mother Khaleda Zia's death.
• He asserted there's no reason to revert to the political environment before Sheikh Hasina's government fell on August 5, 2024.
• Rahman, 60, is a frontrunner for prime minister, aiming to steer Bangladesh in the right direction if BNP wins.
• He emphasized dialogue over confrontation and committed to democratic practices and accountability under his leadership.
• Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years of self-exile in London.

Why It Matters: Tarique Rahman assumes BNP leadership, vowing democratic governance and rejecting past political conditions.