Tarique Rahman takes charge of BNP, vows no return to pre-August 5 politics

• Tarique Rahman assumes chairmanship of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after his mother Khaleda Zia's death.
• His appointment comes weeks before Bangladesh's general elections on February 12, positioning BNP as a frontrunner.
• Rahman stated Bangladesh should not revert to pre-August 5 political conditions, emphasizing dialogue and accountability.
• He outlined BNP's vision for governance focusing on health, economy, and democratic processes if elected.
• Rahman invoked the 1971 Liberation War and 1990 mass movement, but did not detail geopolitical stances.

Why It Matters: Tarique Rahman leads BNP, promising a new political direction for Bangladesh post-Sheikh Hasina era.