The political journey of Tarique Rahman has entered what many consider its most decisive phase. After 17 years in exile, the BNP Chairperson returned to national leadership following a landslide victory in Bangladesh’s general election on February 12. He assumed office as the country’s 11th Prime Minister on February 17, marking a dramatic political comeback that has reshaped the national conversation. For you, as a keen observer of Bangladesh’s evolving political dynamics, this moment represents more than a transfer of power-it signifies a test of leadership, organizational discipline, and governance credibility.

At a press conference held at Hotel Intercontinental on February 15, shortly after the election victory, Tarique Rahman addressed local and international journalists with calculated composure. Responding to a question from journalist Khaled Mohiuddin, he stated that the biggest challenge was convincing the general public to vote for Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and described that effort as the party’s “electoral engineering.” The phrase generated debate, but it also reflected strategic clarity. It suggested a focused campaign architecture aimed at voter mobilization, messaging alignment, and grassroots persuasion. In competitive democracies, the ability to rebuild public trust after a prolonged absence requires both tactical planning and narrative discipline. His remark, therefore, can be interpreted as a candid acknowledgment of that process.

Following his swearing-in, the Prime Minister moved swiftly to establish an operational cabinet structure. The newly formed Council of Ministers includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. In addition, 10 advisors have been appointed-five with the rank of minister and five with the rank of state minister-creating a multilayered executive framework. Administrative appointments such as the Principal Secretary, Press Secretary, Deputy Press Secretary, and protocol officers further indicate an effort to institutionalize coordination within the Prime Minister’s Office.

Symbolically, the Prime Minister began his official duties by paying tribute at the National Memorial to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He also visited the tomb of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and that of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. These gestures were politically resonant. They reinforced continuity with the party’s historical identity while situating his leadership within Bangladesh’s broader liberation narrative.

Members of the cabinet have already drawn significant public attention. The Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who has also been serving as National Security Advisor during the interim period, has been widely discussed for his dual strategic responsibilities. Likewise, the Minister of Home Affairs Salauddin Ahmed, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Minister of Commerce Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, and Minister of Education A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon have all come under public scrutiny since their oath-taking. In any newly formed government, ministerial performance becomes an early indicator of administrative seriousness. Public expectations are particularly high in portfolios linked to security, economic management, and infrastructure.

Yet, beyond cabinet composition, the focal point of national attention remains Prime Minister Tarique Rahman himself. The BNP media cell has actively promoted his daily activities and statements through social media platforms, generating widespread public engagement. In contemporary governance, digital visibility is a strategic asset. It fosters transparency, cultivates direct communication with citizens, and strengthens political branding. However, visibility must be balanced with procedural accuracy and security prudence.

A recent example illustrates the importance of this balance. In the early hours of February 21, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement on International Mother Language Day. The program was broadcast live by various media outlets, including state-owned Bangladesh Television, and streamed on the Prime Minister’s verified Facebook page. However, the live caption mistakenly displayed the date as February 20 instead of February 21, although the error was later corrected. Given the emotional and historical significance of the day, the error prompted criticism on social media. Additionally, a copy of a signed “Bani” dated 8 Falgun, 21 February, circulated online with highlighted inaccuracies. These issues, though administrative, underscore the necessity of meticulous review processes within the Prime Minister’s communications team.

For a government elected through huge public mandate, precision in symbolic matters is not trivial. National commemorations carry deep historical meaning. Administrative oversight, even if unintentional, can create reputational vulnerabilities. Ultimately, responsibility for such lapses extends beyond individual staff members. Leadership accountability requires institutional correction mechanisms and quality control systems.

Beyond optics, the substantive challenges facing this government are considerable. First and foremost is the restoration of law and order. Allegations of extortion, tender manipulation, land grabbing, and minority oppression have long clouded public discourse. A credible reform agenda must demonstrate zero tolerance for such practices. Institutional strengthening of law enforcement agencies, depoliticization of administrative mechanisms, and transparent procurement processes will be critical benchmarks.

Second, economic stabilization is imperative. Rising commodity prices and inflationary pressures have strained household purchasing power. Reviving a weakened economy will demand macroeconomic discipline, investor-friendly regulatory frameworks, and infrastructural efficiency. Attracting foreign investment requires not only incentives but also legal certainty and political stability. Confidence-both domestic and international-is the currency of economic recovery.

The BNP’s election manifesto also emphasizes the prioritized distribution of family cards and agricultural cards. Translating these commitments into operational programs demands data accuracy, inter-ministerial coordination, and anti-corruption safeguards. Social protection schemes must be administered transparently to avoid politicization and ensure equitable distribution.

Another strategic consideration involves communication protocols. Publicizing the Prime Minister’s daily schedule in advance on social media may inadvertently elevate security risks. A calibrated communication policy-balancing transparency with operational confidentiality-would align with global best practices in executive security management. Political capital should be invested in strengthening grassroots organizational structures rather than amplifying daily itineraries.

For us, analyzing this moment from both a political and governance perspective, the central question is sustainability. Electoral victory establishes authority, but effective governance consolidates legitimacy. A disciplined grassroots network, strengthened from the union and ward levels upward, can serve as both a feedback mechanism and a stabilizing force. Organizational coherence within the BNP and its affiliated bodies will be essential to maintaining public trust.

The vision articulated as “Bangladesh First” carries rhetorical power. However, rhetoric must be translated into measurable policy outcomes. Distancing governance from practices such as extortion, tender manipulation, land grabbing, and discrimination is not merely aspiration-it is foundational. Transparent procurement, equitable law enforcement, and inclusive development are practical expressions of that vision.

History often remembers leaders not for the scale of their mandate but for the integrity of their administration. Tarique Rahman’s return to power after 17 years in exile undeniably represents a dramatic political milestone. Yet, the durability of that milestone will depend on institutional reform, economic revitalization, disciplined communication, and collective accountability within the executive structure.

The mandate has been delivered by the electorate. The responsibility now rests with the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, his cabinet, advisors, and party organization to translate electoral momentum into structural progress. If governance remains transparent, reform-oriented, and inclusive, this chapter may indeed become a defining era in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution.

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