Tarique Rahman Set to Become Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister | 18 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is poised to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh after his party won a landslide victory in the general elections held in February 2026. 

Key Points: 

• Election: The elections marked a significant political shift in Bangladesh after a period of political uncertainty and transitions in leadership. 
• BNP Victory: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive win in the 2026 general elections, allowing it to form the next government with a clear parliamentary majority. 
• Tarique Rahman:  
  • He emerged as the top leader of the BNP and is expected to take office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  
  • He is the son of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.  
  • He has been a leading figure in BNP politics for years, even during periods of exile and political challenges. 
• Return from Exile: Rahman had spent almost two decades living abroad before returning to Bangladesh in late 2025 following political changes that cleared the way for his participation in domestic politics. 
• Campaign Focus: The BNP’s election campaign centred on promises of economic revival, political reform, and national unity, resonating with voters across the country. 
• Significance to India: Bangladesh is India’s key neighbour in South Asia, sharing a long land boundary and deep economic, cultural, and strategic ties.  
  • A new BNP-led government may influence bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity projects, border management, counter-terrorism coordination, and regional groupings like BIMSTEC and SAARC.