Interview with Tariq Rahman: Calling for democracy from exile, new chapter in relations with India
An awaited voice has returned from London to the heartbeat of Dhaka. After nearly two decades of exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman appeared before BBC Bengal. This interview is not just a political manifesto, but a burning document of democratic movement in Bangladesh. His words on demands for reforms, the complexities of relations with India and the contours of the upcoming elections seemed to herald the dawn of a new freedom.
Breaking the long silence of 17 years, this interview of Tariq Rahman (first episode released on October 5) has given a new momentum to the politics of Bangladesh. Exiled in London, UK since 2008, he organized the anti-fascist student movement from afar. But this time in his voice is not only the pain of distance, but the determination to return. "I have not returned to the country yet due to some related reasons, but the time has come. Inshallah, I will return soon," he said in response to questions from BBC Bengal editor Mir Sabbir and journalist Qadir Kallol. This is the first blow to break the chain of exile.
At the core of the interview is a steadfast demand for reform. Tariq Rahman made it clear, "The future of the upcoming national parliament elections is revolving around the novel conditions of so-called few reforms and more reforms." He wants a differentiated electoral system, where the Election Commission will function independently and the freedom of voters will be guaranteed. On the question of the trial of Awami League leaders and activists, he said, "This is the result of the people's movement. Anti-democratic people will be tried, but it will not be political revenge, but the establishment of justice." These words seem to rekindle the spirit of the 2024 mass upheaval.
The issue of relations with India is the most sensitive. Calling the present government of India a 'tyranny', he said, "If India harbors a dictatorship and the people of the country are disaffected, there is nothing we can do." By 'autocracy' here he refers to Hindutva power, which has hampered the democratic struggle of Bangladesh. According to him, while India-Bangladesh relations are economically and culturally deep, political interference has poisoned them. "We want good relations with India, but for that they must stop interfering in our internal affairs," he added. This statement has given birth to a new debate among the youth of Bangladesh—on the one hand the connection with the neighboring country, on the other hand the demand for sovereignty.
His words are bright about the next election. "There will be elections by December," he announced at an earlier rally, and reiterated in the interview. BNP strategy? "Party nominations will be election-based, so that new faces emerge." His answer to the question of becoming prime minister was shy but firm: "It is not my decision, it is the decision of the people of Bangladesh. Where there is an election involving the people, I will definitely participate." In these words, there is an indication of the future leadership of BNP.
This interview of Tariq Rahman is a milestone not only for BNP, but for the entire politics of Bangladesh. It shows that he is coming out of the shadow of exile and returning to the light of democracy. The second episode (released on October 7) will add more depth, but the first episode alone is enough to prove that Bangladeshi politics is not what it used to be. Now is the time for the people—who are the masterminds of the movement—to decide. Return to the country, Tariq Rahman; Your voice is now echoing not only in London but also in the streets of Dhaka.
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