Amidst the ongoing violence and tension in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) interim president Tariq Rahman is returning to the country after 17 years. BNP supporters are celebrating his return. The party has announced to mobilize about 50 lakh workers to welcome him. The eyes of the whole world including India are fixed on how much change will happen in the foreign policy of Bangladesh after the elections. It is believed that the return of BNP in Bangladesh is almost certain in the elections to be held next year and it is also certain that after the victory of BNP, Tariq Rahman will become the Prime Minister. However, he will have to face the difficult challenge of taking Bangladesh forward in an era of political, economic and institutional tension.
Tariq Rahman’s emphasis will be on Bangladesh First policy!
Tariq Rahman has many times in his speeches explained the government’s plan for the future of Bangladesh. Speaking on foreign policy, he emphasized on the policy of Bangladesh First. In May this year, he had raised questions on the steps taken by Muhammad Yunus regarding foreign policy, emphasizing the need for elections and institutional reforms.
The BNP leader had said that the national interest of Bangladesh will remain above all external interests. He made it clear that Bangladesh would not maintain close ties with either Rawalpindi or New Delhi. In a huge rally in Nayapaltan area of ​​Dhaka, he had announced – ‘Neither Delhi, nor Pindi – Bangladesh is paramount.’
His stance is completely different from the foreign policy adopted by the current Yunus leadership. Yunus has adopted a completely different foreign policy from the foreign policy of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina had maintained close relations with India, while maintaining a distance from Pakistan while balancing Bangladesh’s relations with China. In contrast, Yunus has advocated closer ties with Islamabad and this change has come at the expense of India-Bangladesh’s historically close relations.
Maintaining law and order is a big challenge
The issue of law and order has been raised prominently in Tariq Rehman’s speeches. He warned BNP leaders and workers to remain alert and said that the coming times will be challenging. Rehman has said that signs of anarchy are emerging in different parts of the country and some groups are trying to spread unrest.
Referring to his family’s political heritage, Rahman recalled the role of his parents in Bangladesh’s national reforms. He said that BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman brought the country back from the brink of collapse, while BNP President Khaleda Zia took Bangladesh out of dictatorship in 1991 and took it forward on the path of development.
What is Tariq Rehman’s stance regarding Jamaat?
Rahman has also taken a strong stance against fundamentalist political forces. During this, he also criticized organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami. Rehman had accused the Jamaat of having a violent and divisive past. Recalling the role of Jamaat during the liberation war of 1971, Tariq Rehman said, ‘Those who are now seeking support from the public – the people of this country have seen them in 1971. Not only did he kill millions of people, but his associates also insulted countless mothers and sisters. We should never forget this.
What does Tariq think about minorities?
Rehman has repeatedly described the protection of minorities as the basic principle of BNP policy. During the Durga Puja celebrations this year, he appealed for communal harmony and said, ‘May all Hindus across the country celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and joy, with safety and security. I urge all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion, to spread the message of harmony and reconciliation.
Explaining the difference between individual faith and the obligations of the state, he said, ‘Our party, BNP and I believe that religion belongs to the individual, but the state is for everyone. Religion belongs to an individual, but the right to security is for everyone.
On the issue of democracy, Rahman has expressed his political ambitions in the language of institutional renewal. He said, ‘As a proud son and a committed activist of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I draw inspiration from my father’s legacy, which unites our nation in reclaiming the spirit of independence and striving for a democratic future for all Bangladeshis.’
Fighting corruption priority: Tariq Rehman
Corruption is also included in Rahman’s main agenda. In a post on social media platform Meaningful reforms can be possible with commitment, discipline and public support. If the public assures us, then BNP is ready to lead this campaign once again.
Cleared agenda regarding women
Tariq Rahman wants to ensure participation of women in the economy of Bangladesh. Clearing her agenda regarding this, she had said that the aim of BNP is to build a modern, people-centric Bangladesh, in which women are not forced to choose between family responsibilities and professional aspirations. Citing statistics, Rahman said that women’s participation in the market is only 43 percent, while men’s participation is 80 percent. He said this gap is a warning that we are leaving behind more than half of our country’s talent.
If Tariq Rahman becomes the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, how will he run the country? All the policy signals given above give clear indications in this regard. From foreign policy to women’s participation, his agenda is completely clear. Not only this, the anti-India foreign policy started by Mohammad Yunus will also be transformed by Tariq Rehman, at least it seems so from his speeches. Now it has to be seen how much difference there will be between his words and actions after coming to power.
