Bangladesh Unrest: Tariq Rehman paid homage to Osman Hadi’s grave, became a voter after 17 years; The chaos in the country is not stopping

politics of bangladesh At present it is going through a period of great turmoil. On one hand, the balance of power has changed after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, while on the other hand, violence, lynching and protests have made the country unstable. Amidst this turmoil, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) working president Tariq Rahman was seen at an important public program in Dhaka on Saturday.

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Tariq Rehman, who returned home after nearly 17 years of exile, paid tribute at the grave of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security arrangements. Hadi’s assassination has sparked mass protests and political tension across Bangladesh in recent days.

Tight security arrangements, Dhaka roads sealed

According to reports by local media and The Daily Star, Tariq Rahman also first prayed at the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam located near Dhaka University Central Mosque. It is noteworthy that on December 20, Sharif Osman Hadi was also buried near the grave of Nazrul Islam.

During Tariq Rahman’s visit, the roads from Shahbag to Dhaka University were completely closed. There was heavy deployment of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police on the way. The movement of pedestrians and vehicles was stopped, which clearly showed that the government wanted to avoid any untoward situation.

Osman Hadi’s murder and political turmoil

Sharif Osman Hadi was the spokesperson of Inquilab Forum and a well-known youth leader. He was shot dead earlier this month. Hadi was a major face of the July 2024 mass movement that ultimately ousted the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government from power. His murder has made the political atmosphere explosive before the general elections to be held in February.

After paying homage at the grave, marched towards the Election Commission

After paying homage at the grave of Osman Hadi, Tariq Rehman was about to go to the Election Commission office (Agargaon), where he completed the process of applying for National Identity Card (NID) and registering as a voter. BNP live streamed this entire roadshow. Thousands of supporters took to the streets with Tariq Rehman, making it clear that he is now in full election mode.

Return after 17 years: Turning point in Bangladesh politics

The return of Tariq Rahman is being considered as a transformational moment in the politics of Bangladesh. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the biggest face of BNP. Since 2008 he was living in exile in London. Tariq Rehman says that he had to leave the country due to political persecution. He was arrested in 2007 during the caretaker government and had to stay in jail for about 18 months. Later he went to Britain on the pretext of treatment.

‘Bangladesh got independence twice’ – Tariq Rahman’s big statement

In his first address after returning to the country, Tariq Rahman said – “Bangladesh became independent twice, first time in 1971 and second time through the popular uprising of July 2024.” Talking about an inclusive Bangladesh, he said that participation of all communities, all ethnic groups will be ensured. He claims that unity and equal representation will be the basis of BNP’s future politics.

Legacy from Khaleda Zia, strong contender for the post of Prime Minister

Now the entire command of the party seems to be gradually going into the hands of Tariq Rehman from 80 year old and ailing Khaleda Zia. He reached Dhaka with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, Tariq Rehman is being considered a strong contender for the post of Prime Minister in the general elections to be held in February.

But the country is burning: violence, lynching and international concern

Tariq Rahman’s political activism is increasing at a time when Bangladesh is going through a serious crisis –

• Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power
• Lynching incidents at many places
• Murder of a prominent student leader
• Violent demonstration demanding justice
• Attacks on media offices and cultural organizations

All this has put the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus in the dock.

After the complete ban on Awami League, the electoral field seems to be becoming easier for BNP. The United Nations (UN) has also expressed concern about this and said that it is necessary to protect the rights of voters.

impact reached India

Within a few days, the lynching of two people from the Hindu minority community has given rise to protests in India too. The politics of Bangladesh is no longer just an internal issue, but has become a big question related to regional stability and human rights. On one side, Tariq Rehman’s strong comeback, roadshow and voter registration, on the other side violence, fear and uncertain future. Bangladesh is currently standing at the most critical juncture before the elections, where every step will decide the direction of the coming years.