As Bangladesh navigates through one of the most transformative political transitions in its history, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), finds himself at the centre of this unfolding drama. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year autocratic regime led by a mass uprising has created a political vacuum as well as the possibility of long-overdue reforms. In this turbulent time, questions arise: Can he evolve beyond the shadows of his family’s political legacy? Will he embrace the demands of a new generation, particularly Gen Z, who are at the forefront of this political revolution?

Tarique Rahman’s political journey has been anything but conventional. From being labelled as an heir to a political dynasty to spending years in exile, he has witnessed both the pinnacles of power and the depths of political isolation. Now, in a Bangladesh that is fractured but full of hope, he is called upon to redefine not just his own political narrative but that of the entire nation. This is a moment that demands political maturity and an understanding that the rules of the game have changed. The aspirations of the younger generation—those who have grown up amid the frustrations of corruption, authoritarianism and economic disparity—are far different from those of previous generations.

The Crossroads of a Political Career

At this crucial juncture, Tarique Rahman faces a challenge unlike any other. The recent student-led uprising was not just a rejection of one party but a resounding cry for a new kind of politics—one that is transparent, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Tarique Rahman’s recent actions and speeches especially during and after the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demonstrate a shift in his political approach. This is not the Tarique Rahman of the past, often accused of being entangled in the politics of revenge and patronage. Rather, this is a leader who appears to understand the pulse of the people and the urgency of addressing their needs.

His messages on social media, particularly his congratulatory message to the students and protesters after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, reflect a leader who is learning to speak the language of the new generation. By acknowledging the power of the people and emphasising the courage and sense of justice that fuelled the uprising, Tarique Rahman is positioning himself as a leader who values collective will over personal vendettas.

But words alone will not suffice. The road ahead for him is fraught with challenges, and he must prove that he is capable of rising above the old political narratives that have dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades. In a nation weary of dynastic politics, corruption and authoritarianism, there is little room for the mistakes of the past.

A New Generation, a New Politics

Perhaps the most significant factor in Tarique’s political evolution will be his ability to connect with Gen Z. This generation, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown up in a vastly different world. They are digital natives, shaped by social media, global movements for democracy and social justice, and a growing awareness of environmental and economic issues.

Gen Z in Bangladesh, like their counterparts around the world, are disillusioned with traditional politics. They have seen how corruption, authoritarianism and cronyism have stifled their country’s potential. They have witnessed the erosion of democratic institutions and the suppression of dissent. For them, politics is not just about power; it is about representation, justice and the protection of freedoms.

Tarique Rahman must recognise that the politics of the past, built on patronage networks, loyalty to party leaders, and the manipulation of state institutions, will no longer resonate with this generation. Gen Z demands accountability, transparency, and politics that prioritises the common good over individual gain. They want leaders who can address pressing issues like justice, unemployment, and social inequality, and who are willing to embrace innovation in governance, including the use of technology for greater citizen engagement.

Need for Structural Change

If Tarique Rahman is to succeed in this new political landscape, he must go beyond rhetoric and implement structural changes that reflect the aspirations of today’s Bangladesh. This includes reforming the judiciary, ensuring the independence of the media and dismantling the deeply entrenched patronage networks that have long defined Bangladeshi politics.

Tarique’s leadership will also be judged by how he handles the issue of job creation. Bangladesh’s youth face an unemployment crisis that has only been exacerbated by the global economic downturn and the pandemic. The youth are not content with waiting for trickle-down benefits from economic growth—they want policies that create jobs now, particularly in the tech and green industries that are reshaping economies worldwide.

Breaking with the Past

Perhaps the most significant challenge for Tarique Rahman will be to prove that he is not bound by the past. His family’s political legacy, while revered by many, also carries the baggage of controversies and corruption allegations. To lead a truly new Bangladesh, Tarique must show that he is not simply the continuation of that legacy but a leader in his own right, willing to break with the old ways of doing politics.

This means not only addressing the failures of previous governments but also holding accountable those within his party who may have contributed to the country’s problems. It means promoting a political culture that values debate, dissent, and diversity of thought. It means ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few but is distributed in a way that empowers ordinary citizens.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

In this tumultuous and chaotic time, Tarique Rahman’s political maturity will be tested like never before. The people of Bangladesh, particularly its youth, are closely observing all the details. If he can rise to the occasion, he has the chance to become not just a leader of his party but a leader of the people. But if he fails to understand the pulse of this new Bangladesh, he risks being consigned to the political sideline. The future of Bangladesh depends on it.

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The writer is a Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, IUBAT