Who is Tarique Rahman – and why does Bangladesh’s most powerful leader carry the title ‘Dark Prince’…

Tarique Rahman ranks among Bangladesh’s most prominent and controversial figures in modern political history.He is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the elder son of Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s former prime minister and late president Ziaur Rahman, the BNP’s founder. Despite never having an official government role, Tarique Rahman became one of the most influential individuals in Bangladesh during the BNP-led government between 2001 and 2006.

Tarique Rahman was born in 1965. He became involved in politics in the late 1990s. Over time, he played an important role in the BNP as an organiser and strategist, and slowly gained strong influence over the party and its grassroots network.

Tarique Rahman’s growing influence within BNP

Tarique Rahman rose to power primarily during the BNP government from 2001 to 2006. In those years, he was often seen as the most powerful figure in the party after prime minister Khaleda Zia. Many political commentators and opposition figures also alleged he had the most significant influence in government appointments, policymaking, and decisions within the party.

Supporters called him an innovative leader who transformed the party organisation and grassroots support for the BNP. Critics and opponents accused him of being an unaccountable power centre, creating a popular belief that real power did not lie in government bodies.

The Story behind why Tarique Rahman is called the ‘Dark Prince’

The term “Dark Prince” was used against him by critics during and after his political influence from around 2001 to 2007. It became part of the political rhetoric and media narrative against him. The idea behind the nickname was that he had unchecked power in the background. He was the most influential figure in state affairs, but he was not officially a part of the government institutions.

Tarique Rahman was arrested after a military-backed caretaker government took power in 2007, and has since then been convicted in multiple cases related to corruption and influence-peddling during his time in the BNP government. In those cases, Bangladesh courts awarded him lengthy prison terms. Rahman was arrested on various corruption charges and later released on parole for medical treatment, after which he left Bangladesh in 2008. He has since been residing in London.

Tarique Rahman was convicted in 2018 of seven charges, including corruption and money laundering. In 2021, he was also found guilty of five charges, including money laundering and corruption, in connection with the grenade attack on an Awami League rally in 2004. Rahman and the BNP have denied all the charges and claim they are politically motivated.

Tarique Rahman: The political role today

Tarique Rahman is today the central figure in BNP’s opposition politics. The party general secretary, he gives regular addresses to party workers from outside the country. He continues to be a driving force behind the BNP’s strategies and actions in politics. His supporters consider him a victim of political repression, while his detractors still often associate him with the “Dark Prince” persona.