The Diplomat calls Tarique ‘Likely Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister’

US-based news magazine The Diplomat on Wednesday published an analysis on Bangladesh’s 12 February election, predicting that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman would emerge as the South Asian nation’s next prime minister following the voting process.
The article titled “An Interview With Tarique Rahman – Likely Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister” cited several opinion polls conducted ahead of the elections that suggest Rahman is poised to become the country’s next premier.
The Diplomat article echoes global outlets such as Bloomberg, Time, and The Economist, ahead of the elections under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. 
A December survey showed BNP support at 70%, compared with 19% for Jamaat-e-Islami, while Innovision Consulting found that 47% see Tarique as the next premier, versus 22.5% for Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman. 
The Diplomat also highlighted the role of young voters, noting, “A large portion of voters in this election are from Gen Z, meaning Bangladesh’s youth will decide the next prime minister.” 
“And many Gen Z voters are attending the political program(me)s of the BNP, especially those helmed by party chairman Tarique Rahman,” it read.
While travelling by bus to an election rally in central Tangail after attending one in Sirajganj, Tarique Rahman spoke with The Diplomat about his domestic and foreign policy plans, noting that his party is actively engaging with the aspirations and thinking of Bangladesh’s younger generation, particularly Gen Z. 
“We are prioritizing job creation, technical education, sports, the IT sector, and job market, which I believe resonates strongly with Gen Z. If you look at today’s atmosphere, you'll notice that most of the attendees in the meeting were Gen Z,” he said. 
Rahman told The Diplomat he engages with students through a programme called “The Plan,” where young people share ideas and concerns, saying, “I truly enjoy connecting with them.” 
On foreign policy, he emphasized that “our national interest must come first,” responding to criticism of the Awami League’s India-focused approach. 
Echoing the people’s aspirations, Tarique said the BNP would promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect in politics, uphold the rule of law, protect freedom of speech, and ensure human rights for all. 

The Diplomat noted that some Gen Z voters, especially those leaning toward the NCP, could challenge the party in parliament and on the streets. 
“I don’t feel challenged. We are a political party. We are going to the people with our plans and commitments, and others are doing the same. The people will decide which plan is better for them,” Tarique said as asked how much challenge he felt about the Gen Z.
He was also asked whether pledging a trillion-dollar economy, with 2025 GDP at $475 billion, was realistically achievable beyond garments and cheap labour.
“We will (now) emphasize the IT sector. At the same time, we will also pay attention to the semiconductor industry, light engineering, footwear, and SMEs,” he said.
Rahman said the food sector, including processed food, has strong potentials and “we can produce enough fish and vegetables and export them abroad. We are also exploring opportunities in the creative economy”.
Asked about how to deal with the challenges of loan default and money laundering, he said, "If we ensure strong financial governance, this problem can be solved. Our commitment is to build a transparent and accountable system where corruption will not be tolerated and abusers of power will be brought to justice".
Responding to a question on law and order, Rahman said his party aims to ensure that people’s daily security is not disrupted, allowing citizens to “return home without fear at night” while the economy functions smoothly.

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On tackling climate change, he stated, “We will begin, because we must begin. We will responsibly manage resources and mobilize funds from the Global Climate Fund.”
Regarding his electoral pledges, Rahman said, “We will work to implement our 31-point charter. In particular, we have identified seven core priorities, including the family card, farmer card, health care, employment, and education, and we will place special emphasis on these issues.”