‘May intensify political polarisation’: Sheikh Hasina on Tarique Rahman’s return in Bangladesh

New Delhi: Days after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka after 17 years in exile, Awami League leader and former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the former’s return was not a sign of reform for her country, but may intensify political polarisation.

‘Tarique Rahman’s return does not represent renewal or reform’

Speaking to news agency IANS, the former PM said, “Tarique Rahman’s return does not represent renewal or reform; it represents a return to a politics that Bangladesh has already paid a heavy price for.” She observes that after spending his life comfortably in exile for so many years, Rahman has detached himself from the everyday struggle of ordinary Bangladeshis.

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A son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and ex-PM Khaleda Zia, Tahman (58), was accused of corruption when Khaleda Zia was in power. He was, at the time, also accused of running a parallel power centre.

Rahman had recently returned to Bangladesh, days before his mother’s death. He is leading the BNP alliance in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, which is scheduled to be held on February 12. The date of the election was earlier announced by the interim government.

Leadership requires accountability: Sheikh Hasina

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“His presence is likely to deepen political polarisation rather than heal it. Leadership requires accountability, transparency, and engagement with the people, not direction from abroad followed by sudden re-entry when conditions appear favourable,” Hasina told the agency.

Hasina slams Rahman’s poll strategies

Hasina observed that in his attempt to appeal to Bangladesh’s nationalist base, Rahman is trying to prove himself to be a defender of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He is also maintaining an equal distance from India, Pakistan, and China. “Rather than the country moving towards reform, his presence may further deepen the chasm of political polarisation,” she said further.