True power of Bangladesh always lies in its people, when united, says Tarique Rahman

The future of Bangladesh will be “inclusive,” where all communities feel “secure,” and children will have a future filled with hope, said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, on Saturday (December 27, 2025). Emphasising ‘inclusivity’ and ‘peace,’ Mr. Rahman said he wishes to look beyond “politics driven by vengeance,” which has been a prominent feature of contemporary Bangladesh, arguing that the “true power of Bangladesh” lies in its unity.

“When I spoke yesterday, I spoke of a plan — not just a dream — for Bangladesh’s future: a country where peace and dignity thrive, where every community feels secure and valued, and where every child can grow up with hope,” said Mr. Rahman on his official handle on X.

Elaborating on his December 25 speech, Mr. Rahman said his plan was for “all Bangladeshis — a united, inclusive Bangladesh, a Bangladesh that moves forward together.”

“I appreciate the thoughtful reflections that emphasised democracy, multiparty coexistence, and the enduring will of the people. I am grateful for the warm welcomes and for the hope expressed for a democratic, peaceful political culture, as well as the call to move beyond politics driven by vengeance. I take these words with humility and respect,” said Mr. Rahman, who has drawn enormous crowds at public gatherings held since his arrival on December 25.

Soon after his arrival, on December 25, he addressed a public meeting at the July 36 Expressway in Dhaka, where he called for a political future in which all religious and ethnic communities could live side by side in Bangladesh. He subsequently visited the grave of his father, General Ziaur Rahman, located near the National Parliament, paid his respects at the Shaheed Minar, and offered prayers at the grave of slain Islamist youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on the Dhaka University campus.

Following Mr. Rahman’s return, the Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs here said that his arrival in Bangladesh, after years of self-exile, should be viewed in the “context” of India’s support for “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory” elections to be held in Bangladesh in February 2026. “Thank you for welcoming me home,” said Mr. Rahman in his message, reiterating that “the true power of Bangladesh always lies in its people — when united.”