Tarique Rahman's return opens a 'window of opportunity': DU Prof Shahan

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman's return to active politics has opened a "window of opportunity" at a critical moment in Bangladesh's political landscape, said Dr Asif Shahan, professor at the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Professor Shahan said Tarique Rahman has long been known as a policy-oriented leader, and his recent speech reflected that approach. 

"We always knew that he is, in a sense, a policy-oriented leader – someone who thinks deeply about these issues. This was always going to be his pitch, and I think he presented it quite well," he said.

Professor Shahan noted that the effectiveness of Tarique Rahman's message will depend on how successfully he can communicate it to a wider audience. 

"How far he will be able to reach people and convey this message will determine many things going forward. I hope he succeeds," he added.

Referring to the large gathering and public response surrounding Tarique Rahman's return, the DU professor said the event generated fresh political momentum. "Listening to his speech and witnessing the scale of the gathering, it seems to me that this has opened a window of opportunity in many ways."

He said Tarique Rahman's return is certain to give an immediate boost to the BNP by energising its leadership, mobilising party activists and restoring a sense of direction that had been missing. 

"That will have an impact," he noted.

He stressed that the timing of the return is particularly significant. 

"After the night of 18 December [mob torched Daily Star and Prothom Alo buildings after Hadi's death], there was a sense of uncertainty and instability. People were looking for a calm and reassuring voice," he said. 

"If Tarique Rahman is able to become that voice, it will be important – especially given that there are still many undecided and floating voters."