Growing Global Backing for Tarique Rahman

Foreign diplomats are increasingly seeking meetings with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, holding in-depth discussions on Bangladesh’s political future and development priorities ahead of the February national elections. This surge in diplomatic engagement is being seen by analysts as a sign of growing international recognition of Tarique’s potential leadership.

According to senior BNP sources, envoys from key global powers and international organisations now regard the BNP as a serious political contender with strong public support and a realistic chance of returning to power. Their recent interactions with Tarique are less about introductions and more about laying the groundwork for future cooperation with someone they increasingly believe could soon lead Bangladesh.

A wide array of dignitaries — including ministers, ambassadors, and high commissioners based in both London and Dhaka — have reached out to Tarique in recent weeks. This includes diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom, and Qatar, as well as senior representatives from the United Nations, all of whom discussed bilateral relations, election strategy, and the reform agenda the BNP plans to pursue if it forms the next government.

Notable figures who have recently met with Tarique include a Qatari minister, US Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West MP, and Rose Kemp, former research director of the British Conservative Party.

Discussions have focused on enhancing trade and investment, strengthening diplomatic ties, and implementing governance reforms aimed at reshaping Bangladesh’s political and economic landscape. Tarique used these meetings to highlight the BNP’s 31-point reform plan, which he described as a roadmap for overhauling state institutions, removing structural barriers to development, and accelerating national progress.

These diplomatic engagements represent a shift in Western attitudes toward Tarique, who had long been perceived with skepticism, especially in Washington. The recent outreach — particularly his meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires — marks a significant change, suggesting renewed Western openness to engaging with him and the BNP as part of efforts to ensure a credible electoral process in Bangladesh.

Political analysts view this as a strategic move by Western powers to rebuild ties with the BNP after years of strained relations during what they describe as a period of authoritarian rule under the Awami League. At the same time, the meetings put pressure on the BNP to present itself as a credible governing alternative, moving beyond opposition rhetoric to offer a concrete post-election vision.

For Tarique Rahman, these developments present both a major opportunity and a critical test. His ability to shift perceptions — from a controversial political figure to a statesman capable of uniting international and domestic constituencies — will determine whether he can consolidate growing support. While international engagement may offer a buffer against criticism, it does not erase the legal and political controversies that still shadow his leadership.