‘Tarique Rahman kept BNP united during challenging times’

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has successfully led the party through its most challenging phase over the past 16 years, keeping it united despite prolonged political pressure and adversity, said Mamun Rashid, Chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd and a renowned economist.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mamun Rashid said he had been closely following Tarique Rahman’s political activities in recent months, including his engagements with international media and party leaders.

“Mr Tarique Rahman has navigated and led BNP for the last 16 years during the most challenging times and kept it in a single piece,” he wrote.

Drawing historical parallels, Mamun Rashid recalled the leadership legacy of the party’s founders, saying many who studied at cadet colleges in the 1970s and served in the defence forces hold “fond memories” of late President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as “a soldier inside and outside—disciplined, command-driven, yet humble and decisive.”

He also referred to former prime minister Khaleda Zia as “a humble, less talkative but mentally strong leader,” noting her contribution to Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Mentioning Tarique Rahman’s family background, Mamun Rashid recalled the late Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, a former navy chief and Tarique Rahman’s father-in-law, whom he described as “a courageous, committed and articulate defence person.”

Looking ahead, he said new political realities have placed fresh responsibilities on Tarique Rahman, particularly in upholding democratic values in Bangladesh.

“History and new developments have bestowed new challenges on him—to maintain liberal democratic spirit and practice in Bangladesh and take this forward with tolerance, sagacity and leadership,” he added.

Mamun Rashid also cautioned against divisive politics, saying Bangladesh, as a country with strong potential, “can’t afford narrow politics of the past” and must move forward with “globality, technology and wisdom.”