Tarique Rahman, once dubbed the 'Dark Prince' of Bangladeshi politics, is finally poised to ascend to the pinnacle of power, inheriting one of Bangladesh's most powerful political legacies.
India congratulated him even before the election results were officially announced, indicating India's keen interest in mending ties after strained relations following Sheikh Hasina's exit in 2024. India has long considered BNP a more liberal and democratic option compared to Jamaat-e-Islami.
Will India-Bangladesh Relations Improve?
Tarique Rahman returned from a 17-year exile in London last December. His stance has been positive since his return, bringing a 'Bangladesh First' agenda allegedly inspired by Donald Trump's 'America First'.
He mentioned Bangladesh would maintain equal distance from India, China, and Pakistan, which is reassuring for India, as Bangladesh sought closer ties with Pakistan and China during its interim government.
Source: aajtak
Parallel Paths in Relations
Tarique is assuming leadership while India-Bangladesh relations move in two different directions. On one side, the two nations share a 4000-kilometer border, deeply intertwined trade, energy, and connectivity needs make India indispensable to Bangladesh.
On the other side, skepticism is rising among Bangladesh's Gen Z regarding India. Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, and India's response to her extradition request was slow.
India's Diplomatic Initiatives
Last year, when Khaleda Zia was unwell, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly expressed concern. Following her death, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar was the first Indian leader to visit Dhaka after the 2024 turmoil and delivered Prime Minister Modi's personal letter to Tarique.
On Friday, PM Modi was among the first to congratulate Tarique, expressing eagerness to strengthen multifaceted ties.
Source: aajtak
Issue of Hindu Safety
Recently, attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have surged—around 15 Hindus were killed in just 45 days, raising international concerns. In his first address, Tarique didn't fan anti-India sentiments, emphasizing religion is personal, but the state is for all. This raises hope for tough actions on Hindu security.
Source: aajtak
Controversial Issues
While Tarique talks friendship, he remains firm on issues like border killings, sharing of Teesta and Padma rivers' waters, and Sheikh Hasina's extradition.
The 'Dark Prince's' Past
Source: aajtak
Between 2001-2006, when BNP was in power, Indo-Bangla relations were at a low. Jamaat-e-Islami was an ally of BNP then, and India accused Bangladesh of sheltering Pakistan-backed terrorists and northeast insurgents.
Tarique was accused in the 2004 Chittagong arms case. A 2005 US diplomatic cable dubbed him the 'Dark Prince'. Arrested in 2007, he moved to the UK for medical treatment in 2008, living there for 17 years. After Sheikh Hasina's 2024 exit, he was acquitted of all charges.
Source: aajtak
Despite 17 years away from power, Tarique and BNP remained politically active, gaining tremendous support upon his return.
The question remains—will Tarique Rahman 2.0 initiate a new chapter with India? Will the security of Hindus improve? Will the Sheikh Hasina issue strain relations? The coming years will determine whether Indo-Bangla friendship can be restored or if the equation will shift in a different direction.
