Dhaka, Feb. 16 -- For nearly two decades, Tarique Rahman was a name spoken more in courtrooms and political rhetoric than in corridors of power. Now, barely two months after returning home from 17 years in self-imposed exile, the BNP chairman stands on the threshold of the prime minister's office -- his party riding a landslide victory to reclaim the state.

The speed of his ascent has startled even seasoned observers. While the BNP's return to power was long anticipated, few expected Tarique's rise to the premiership to unfold with such velocity.

Until mid-2024, the idea of him leading Bangladesh still seemed remote.

His political journey is inseparable from lineage. He is the son of Ziaur Rahman, the freedom fighter-turned-president w...