BNP's Tarique Rahman set to become Bangladesh's new prime minister

Bangladesh is set to witness a historic transfer of power on Tuesday as Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), prepares to take the oath as the country's new prime minister. The 297 newly elected lawmakers from the BNP-led alliance and the Jamaat-e-Islami bloc were sworn in earlier in the day for the 13th parliament, with Rahman subsequently elected as the leader of the house, paving the way for his premiership.

Landslide Victory and Political Context

The BNP, along with its allies, secured a commanding two-thirds majority with 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament in last week's historic elections, the first since the 2024 July Uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. Hasina fled to India following the mass protests that left an estimated 1,400 people dead. The Awami League was barred from participating in this election, which international observers have described as "credible and competently managed."

Rahman's Journey from Exile to Leadership

Rahman, 60, returned to Bangladesh last December after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, where he had lived since 2008 following his release on medical grounds during an anti-corruption crackdown. He is the son of late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and slain President Ziaur Rahman, the BNP's founder. During Hasina's rule, Rahman was convicted in absentia on various charges, which he maintained were politically motivated. All cases against him were acquitted following Hasina's ouster.

Constitutional Reforms and Yunus's Farewell

Alongside the general election, voters overwhelmingly approved the "July Charter" constitutional reforms in a referendum, with more than 68% voting in favor. The reforms introduce prime ministerial term limits, a bicameral parliament, and stronger judicial independence. The outgoing interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formed after Hasina's flight in August 2024, officially concluded its tenure on Monday. In a farewell address, Yunus urged, "Let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted."

International Reactions and Future Challenges

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate Rahman, stating, "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." Rahman, who has pledged a "top-down, no tolerance approach to corruption," now faces the formidable task of reviving Bangladesh's fragile economy, restoring law and order, and fulfilling the aspirations of the young protesters who sparked the 2024 uprising.