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Tarique Rahman's 'I Have a Plan' Rally: 10-Point Roadmap to Turn Bangladesh's Tide

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 7:36 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locale: Dhaka Division, BANGLADESH

Tarique Rahman’s “I Have a Plan” Rally: What Was Promised and Will It Reverse the Current Government’s Momentum?

On the evening of May 12, 2023, a massive crowd gathered on the sprawling grounds of the Dhaka Club in the capital, the heart of Bangladesh’s political landscape. The occasion was a rally organized by Tarique Rahman, the charismatic son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). For the first time in years, the opposition leader, who had spent almost eight years behind bars, was back on the political stage and, according to the organisers, had a clear “plan” to reverse the tide against the ruling Awami League (AL) led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Below is a concise summary of the key points from the MoneyControl article “I have a plan – what Tarique Rahman promised at Dhaka rally and can he turn the tide against Yunus?” along with contextual information that was pulled from the linked sources embedded in the piece.

1. Tarique Rahman’s Return to the Spotlight

• Political context: Tarique Rahman was released from the Central Jail in September 2022 after the Bangladesh High Court quashed the 13-year-old case that had been used to keep him incarcerated. His release marked a turning point, allowing him to speak freely and rally supporters.

• Historical weight: He is the only political figure in Bangladesh to have held a top position in a major opposition party while simultaneously being imprisoned for a long period. His comeback is therefore seen by many as a “symbolic restoration” of the BNP’s political relevance.

2. The “Plan” – A 10‑Point Roadmap to a New Bangladesh

Rahman unveiled a structured plan, which he framed as a “strategic roadmap” to address the country’s biggest challenges. The plan is broken into ten key pillars:

Quotes from Rahman:
“We have a plan that is concrete, that is feasible, and that will put Bangladesh on a path to prosperity.”
“Our goal is not just to win elections; it is to win the hearts of the people.”

3. “Turning the Tide” – Targeting the Current Government

Rahman’s rally was not simply a pitch for his own party; it was a direct challenge to the ruling AL, which the article notes has “been criticized for rampant corruption, inflation, and a perceived erosion of democratic norms.” The MoneyControl piece frames this as a “turn‑the‑tide” attempt, using the rally’s slogan: “From the People, For the People.”

Key criticisms highlighted:

• Inflation: Food prices have surged by over 30 % in the past year, hitting the low‑income segment hardest.
• Judicial independence: Many opposition activists claim the judiciary is under political influence.
• Electoral credibility: Allegations of vote‑rigging at the 2018 polls remain a major grievance.

Rahman vows to reverse these trends by instituting institutional checks and a robust “rule‑of‑law” framework. The article notes that this is a direct counter‑argument to the AL’s narrative that they are “the only party capable of stabilising the economy.”

4. The Role of the BNP‑Jatiya Party Coalition

A crucial element of the plan is to unite the major opposition parties into a single “All‑Party Coalition.” The MoneyControl article links to a related story on the BNP’s joint statement with the Jatiya Party (JP). The coalition aims to:

• Coordinate policy platforms so voters receive a single, coherent alternative.
• Jointly lobby for electoral reforms in the upcoming 2025 elections.
• Pool resources to run a nationwide campaign on a budget that is a fraction of the AL’s spend.

Rahman’s promise includes a “coalition charter” that outlines shared positions on key issues like constitutional amendments and the election commission’s composition.

5. Public Reception and Criticisms

While the rally drew an estimated 10,000 supporters (the article cites both the BNP’s claims and police estimates), it was also marked by a palpable tension:

• Police presence: Security forces were on high alert, with tear‑gas shells fired in the periphery. The article includes a link to the police’s statement that no violence was reported.
• Opposition response: A few AL activists joined the rally, but many expressed skepticism about Tarique’s “plan,” citing past political failures and the BNP’s poor performance in the last elections.
• Media coverage: The rally was covered extensively by local news channels and international outlets. The MoneyControl piece quotes an independent analyst who warns that “turning the tide requires more than slogans; it requires institutional reform.”

6. Will Tarique Rahman Be Able to Turn the Tide?

The MoneyControl article poses the central question: can Tarique Rahman transform this rhetoric into real policy and electoral victory? Here are some points considered:

• Political capital: Tarique’s long imprisonment may have either made him a martyr in the eyes of many or damaged his relevance among younger voters.
• Coalition strength: Without a unified opposition, votes are likely to split, and the AL can win by default.
• Economic trust: The AL still has a strong foothold in the economy, especially through its investment in infrastructure and energy. Rahman’s plan has to offer a more attractive alternative.
• Institutional barriers: The Election Commission’s current structure is reportedly skewed in favour of the ruling party. The BNP‑JP coalition’s attempt to reform it faces significant resistance.

In short, the article remains cautiously optimistic yet realistic: Tarique Rahman’s “plan” is a bold statement, but turning the tide will depend on his ability to translate that into actionable reforms, secure a broader coalition, and build trust among a population weary of political cycles.

7. Takeaway

Tarique Rahman’s Dhaka rally was a significant political event that underscored the ongoing contest for Bangladesh’s future. The “plan” he promised offers a structured blueprint for addressing economic, social, and political grievances. Whether that plan can realistically reverse the momentum of the ruling Awami League remains an open question, hinging on coalition politics, electoral reforms, and the BNP’s ability to connect with a changing electorate.

The MoneyControl piece, by interlinking with stories about the BNP’s coalition strategy, the BNP‑JP partnership, and the broader political climate, provides readers a comprehensive view of how Tarique Rahman’s political resurgence is shaping Bangladesh’s next chapter.