The 'Battle of Begums' chapter ends: Bangladesh turns a new page with a nawab, Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh’s decades-long “battle of begums” era has ended, and a new power centre has emerged in Dhaka. With Sheikh Hasina in exile and Khaleda Zia no more, the country is witnessing a political shift that would have seemed improbable even two years ago. After decades of dominance by its two most powerful women leaders, Bangladesh has now democratically elevated a man to its top office: BNP scion Tarique Rahman, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s politics.

Tarique Rahman took oath on Tuesday, becoming Bangladesh’s first male Prime Minister in 35 years.




Both towering figures of Bangladesh’s political landscape remained absent from this election, with Hasina’s Awami League not even participating in the general polls. For over three decades, the country’s politics revolved around the “battle of begums” -- a rivalry that shaped elections, governance, and Bangladesh’s foreign policy trajectory.

Hasina now lives in exile in India after being forced from power by a mass uprising, while Zia’s death following prolonged illness has brought a definitive end to one of South Asia’s most enduring political rivalries.

Into this historic vacuum has stepped Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia and heir to one of Bangladesh’s most influential political dynasties. His return from exile after 17 years, followed by a sweeping electoral victory, has reshaped Bangladesh’s political order, marking the end of the “battle of begums” and the emergence of a new centre of power.

Rahman’s ascent is more than a political comeback. It marks a generational shift, the end of a decades-long political order, and the beginning of a new phase in Bangladesh’s leadership under a figure who has moved from exile to elected power.

The end of 'battle of begums'

The longstanding rivalry between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, two leaders whose personal histories were closely intertwined with Bangladesh’s founding and political evolution.

Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father, dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape for much of the past two decades. Her tenure transformed Bangladesh economically and strengthened its global standing. However, in her later years, her leadership drew criticism for being increasingly autocratic, suppressing opposition, weakening democratic institutions, and concentrating power.

Her rival, Khaleda Zia, widow of former president Ziaur Rahman and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), represented the principal alternative political force. She became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister in 1991 and led governments in 1991, 1996, and 2001. Her political strength ensured that Bangladesh remained defined by a bipolar political system.

The "battle of begums" became the central narrative of Bangladesh’s political life.

That era ended abruptly in August 2024.

A massive youth-led uprising swept across Bangladesh, driven by frustration over unemployment, economic inequality, and political repression. Tens of thousands of young Bangladeshis poured into the streets, demanding systemic change and accountability. The protests intensified rapidly, spreading from university campuses to cities, highways, and government institutions to ultimately Hasina's official palace in Dhaka.

The wave of unrest grew so strong that protesters surrounded and stormed Hasina’s residence, leaving her with no option but to flee the country to avoid the fate her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his family faced in 1975, when they were killed during a violent uprising.

As unrest spiralled, Hasina’s hold on power collapsed. Facing mounting pressure, she fled and took refuge in India, ending her uninterrupted 15-year rule in dramatic fashion.

Her departure created an unprecedented political vacuum.

Khaleda Zia, once her fiercest rival, was no longer able to step into that space. Years of illness had weakened her physically, even as her symbolic political influence endured. Within days of her son Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, she died, marking the definitive end of an era defined by her rivalry with Hasina.

The “battle of begums,” which had dominated Bangladesh’s political narrative for decades, ended not with an electoral defeat, but with exile and death.

Tarique Rahman’s improbable return from exile

Until recently, Tarique Rahman’s political comeback did not seem foreseeable.

Once a controversial and polarising political figure, Rahman went into exile in London in 2008 amid corruption charges and political pressure. For nearly two decades, he remained physically absent from Bangladesh’s political stage.

Not even two months after returning from his self-imposed exile of 17 long years, Rahman rose rapidly to prominence.

London-return Tarique Rahman landed in country with celebration scenes, boarding a bulletproof bus, painted in the red and green, theme colours of Bangladesh national flag. Dhaka crowd erupted to give him a massive welcome. The crowd welcoming Rahman was as massive as the July–August 2024 protests against Hasina, but the atmosphere was entirely different.

In his first public address that same day, which was also Christmas, he drew inspiration from American civil rights veteran Martin Luther King, turning the phrase "I have a dream" into "I have a plan."

"Today, the people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak. They want to regain their right to democracy," he said in first address.

He also struck a reassuring and secular tone in a country shaken by communal tensions, outlining BNP’s inclusive vision ahead of the elections. Rahman stressed on the values of unity and also safety for all citizens of the country.

His message was clear: he was positioning himself not merely as a dynastic successor, but as a national leader capable of restoring democratic legitimacy and unity.

The strategy resonated with voters.

The BNP secured a landslide victory, winning nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats, restoring the party to power and elevating Rahman to the position of prime minister.

Political inheritance

Rahman was struck by a personal tragedy as Khaleda Zia died after a prolonged illness in December.

Her death marked not only the loss of a mother but the passing of one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures and first lady PM.

Rahman inherited not only leadership of the BNP but also a powerful political legacy shaped by struggle, violence, and sacrifice.

His father, President Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP in 1978, had been assassinated in a military coup in 1981 when Tarique was a teenager.

Despite years of exile, political isolation and legal battles, Rahman’s return signified both his resilience and his determination to reclaim political relevance.

He dedicated his victory to the people.

“Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” he said in his first speech since the election. “I firmly believe that national unity is a collective strength, while division is a weakness.”

July Charter reshapes power as Tarique takes charge

The recently held polls in Bangladesh were different in many ways, as for the first time voters were asked to cast ballots twice, once to choose their next Prime Minister and again to give their consent to the “July Charter”, which seeks to overhaul the nation’s governance structure.

The referendum was conducted across all 64 districts under tight security and international observation.

The referendum count suggested a commanding “Yes” vote, with most constituencies reporting strong backing from both urban and rural regions, as most major parties, even those with minor disagreements over details, campaigned in favour of the Charter.

Under the regulations of the July Charter, the powers of new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will face closer checks to prevent a return to authoritarianism in the country.

The power centre in Dhaka was founded on democratic and secular principles in 1971, following Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan after the Mukti Bahini-led liberation struggle. Formerly East Pakistan, the country has, from time to time, suffered under autocratic rule.

The July National Charter Implementation Order 2025 is a 28-page political agreement signed by Muhammad Yunus and 25 political parties. Its goal is to transform Bangladesh into what many call the “Second Republic”—a state designed to prevent any future return to authoritarianism.

Violence, communal tensions, and fragile stability

Rahman took charge at a time when Bangladesh was facing one of its most unstable internal security situations in years.

December proved to be a turbulent month. Dhaka and several other cities witnessed explosions, widespread unrest, and internet shutdowns.

Much of the violence was triggered by an assassination attempt on influential student leader Osman Hadi, who later died from his injuries in Singapore.

News of his death sparked anger across the country. Violent attacks followed, with minorities, especially Hindu labourers, businessmen, and community members, among those targeted.

However, people from other communities were also caught in the violence.

Dipu Chandra Das was one of the victims. The 28-year-old garment factory worker was burnt alive on December 18, the same day Hadi’s death was confirmed. His killing shocked the country and drew widespread attention on social media.

As Bangladesh voted for a new government under Tarique Rahman, Das’s family said they cast their vote hoping for justice and safety.

Rahman’s inclusive messaging and his promise to protect all communities may help reassure minorities and broaden support for the BNP.

Reinventing his leadership style

Since his return, Rahman has tried to present himself as a calmer and more mature leader, ready to move beyond past political conflicts.

The image of an aggressive political operator from the BNP’s 2001–2006 era has largely faded.

Although he never held an official government position, Rahman was often accused of influencing decisions behind the scenes during his mother Khaleda Zia’s tenure, an allegation he has denied.

“What does revenge bring to someone? People have to flee from this country because of revenge. This does not bring anything good,” he said. “What we need at the moment in the country is peace and stability.”

During Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Rahman faced multiple corruption cases and was convicted in absentia. In 2018, he was also sentenced to life imprisonment over a 2004 grenade attack on a rally Hasina was addressing.

Rahman denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. Following Hasina’s ouster, he has since been acquitted in these cases.

Since returning, he has adopted a more measured tone, avoiding aggressive rhetoric and calling for unity and reconciliation.

He has spoken about restoring “people’s ownership of the state” and rebuilding institutions -- a message that has energised BNP supporters and raised hopes for political change.

Jamaat’s rise and changing political currents

The elections also marked a significant gain for Jamaat-e-Islami, which won nearly one-third of the parliamentary seats, its strongest performance in decades.

Notably, the party did not field a single woman candidate, reflecting its ideological position on women’s role in politics.

Jamaat's rise, an organisation that believes in 'purdah' for women, signals a shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, especially after decades dominated by two powerful female leaders, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.

Two months earlier, Jamaat had surprised observers by forming an alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP), created in 2025 by leaders of the student uprising.

The NCP promised a more inclusive democracy and stronger protection of women’s rights. However, this contrasts with Jamaat’s long-held belief that women’s participation in public life should follow Islamic principles. The election results, meanwhile, suggested that voters gave greater support to Jamaat than to the NCP.

This alliance reflects the complex and evolving nature of Bangladesh’s political alliances.

Muhammad Yunus and the interim transition

After Hasina’s departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as caretaker, leading the interim government during the country’s political transition.

Yunus became chief adviser of the interim government.

He repeatedly said his role was temporary.

Throughout his tenure, Yunus maintained that he had “no desire to be part of the next elected government”.

His focus, he said, was to ensure a peaceful and fair transition.

According to JNU professor Rajan Kumar, Yunus is likely to remain influential even after the new government takes over.

“I think he is likely to remain as an advisor because this government would be favourable to him and they'll press no charges against him, whatever happened earlier,” Kumar said.

“He fits perfectly into that structure. So he'll remain in some capacity as an advisor — maybe some role of economic adviser, either formal or informal.”

What it means for India

Rahman’s rise carries important implications for India-Bangladesh relations.

After Sheikh Hasina fled and took refuge in India, ties between the two countries became strained. The interim government under Yunus did little to improve relations.

Rahman, however, moved quickly to reach out diplomatically.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Rahman and congratulated him.

"Delighted to speak with Mr Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections."

The BNP also thanked India and Prime Minister Modi for recognising the election results and expressed hope for stronger ties.

India sent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to attend the oath-taking ceremony, signalling its willingness to rebuild relations.

Under Sheikh Hasina, India was Bangladesh’s closest regional partner. Rahman’s outreach suggests an effort to restore stability and cooperation between the two neighbours.

Bangladesh at a historic crossroads

Tarique Rahman’s rise marks a major turning point in Bangladesh’s political history.

For decades, politics was dominated by Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. Their rivalry shaped the country’s leadership, elections, and direction.

That era has now ended.

Rahman’s leadership represents both continuity and change — continuity through political legacy, and change through generational transition.

He faces major challenges: restoring trust in institutions, maintaining communal harmony, managing rising political forces, and rebuilding foreign relations.

Bangladesh now stands at an important moment, entering a new political phase under a leader whose journey reflects the country’s own years of conflict, change, and political transformation.