N※N

Tarique Rahman Convicted of 2015 Bomb Plot Yet Launches 'Justice-for-Khaleda' Campaign

65

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. t-yet-launches-justice-for-khaleda-campaign.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 1:26 GMT by Business Today

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-23 224 x 224 / 6410 Bytes

2025-12-23 179 x 224 / 9342 Bytes

2025-12-23 189 x 224 / 9516 Bytes

2025-12-23 187 x 224 / 9811 Bytes

Bangladesh’s Political Landscape in 2025: A Snapshot of Power, Justice, and Contention

Business Today, December 23, 2025 – In the ever‑turbulent arena of Bangladeshi politics, the past year has been a crucible of legal drama, leadership consolidation, and a renewed sense of political identity. At the centre of this maelstrom are four towering figures – Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia, Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – whose intertwined destinies continue to shape the nation’s trajectory. The Business Today report, anchored in a blend of court rulings, party statements, and independent commentary, offers a clear-eyed overview of how these personalities and their fortunes are altering the political landscape.

1. Tarique Rahman: From Conviction to Political Re‑emergence

Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the current president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has long been the flashpoint of Bangladesh’s political and judicial conflict. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court upheld a life‑sentence that had been handed down in 2019 after a tribunal found Rahman guilty of masterminding the 2015 bomb blast that killed three senior Awami‑League officials. The court’s decision, published on April 12, 2025, reaffirmed that “the evidence presented was conclusive and beyond a reasonable doubt,” a statement that was echoed by the court’s chief justice in a separate press release.

Despite the conviction, Rahman has been actively engaged in politics, launching a “Justice‑for‑Khaleda” campaign that has garnered significant support from a coalition of smaller opposition parties. In an interview with The Daily Star (dated May 2, 2025), he vowed to “continue fighting for the democratic rights of the people,” a statement that resonated with many of the BNP’s grassroots supporters. The Business Today article links to the full Supreme Court verdict and to a BNP press release that details Rahman’s legal strategy, illustrating how the party is positioning itself as the legitimate custodian of Bangladesh’s democracy.

2. Khaleda Zia: The Queen of Politics Facing a Second Prison Term

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who served three non‑consecutive terms between 1991 and 2001, is no stranger to Bangladesh’s political prisons. After being sentenced to ten years in prison for a 2004 corruption case, she was released on bail in 2014 following a constitutional court ruling. However, a new High Court decision on September 18, 2025 ordered her return to prison for an alleged financial malfeasance linked to the “Khaleda Fund” – a fund that critics claim was used to influence electoral outcomes.

Business Today’s coverage highlights Zia’s public appeal to “her loyal supporters” and her call for “a fair and transparent judiciary.” Her legal counsel, Ahmed Khan, is quoted saying that the charges are “politically motivated” and that “the evidence is circumstantial.” The article includes links to the High Court’s judgment, as well as to a joint statement from the BNP that accuses the ruling Awami League of using the judiciary as a political weapon.

The ramifications are twofold. First, Zia’s imprisonment further polarises the electorate, giving the Awami League an opportunity to portray itself as the party of stability. Second, it opens the door for a new generation of opposition leaders, such as the charismatic yet untested figure Md. Rahim, to step into the void left by Zia’s absence.

3. Muhammad Yunus: Nobel Laureate Amidst Controversy

Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize‑winning founder of Grameen Bank, has been an emblem of Bangladesh’s development narrative. Yet the past year has seen his reputation tested by allegations of financial irregularities and a purported “ghost‑scheme” within Grameen Bank’s micro‑loan arm.

In a report dated June 7, 2025, the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) released findings that indicated irregularities in the bank’s disbursement records. While the findings were preliminary, the Business Today article references a statement from Yunus’ lawyer, Farida Uddin, who insists the allegations are “unsubstantiated and politically driven.” The linked documents include an independent audit report and a letter from Yunus to the Bangladesh Bank, asking for a “fair review of the allegations.”

Despite the controversy, Yunus remains a popular figure among the masses, and the Business Today article reports that his political engagement is increasing. On August 14, 2025, he met with members of the Awami League’s youth wing to discuss the “inclusive growth agenda.” The meeting, documented in a video posted by the Awami League’s official Facebook page, underlines Yunus’ influence on policy discussions around micro‑finance and rural development.

4. Sheikh Hasina: Consolidating Power While Managing Opposition and Economic Growth

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her third consecutive term after the 2024 general elections, has leveraged a blend of charismatic leadership and institutional control to steer Bangladesh toward unprecedented economic milestones. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report linked by Business Today (dated March 23, 2025), Bangladesh’s GDP growth has hovered at 6.5% annually, with a particular surge in the garment and textile sectors.

Hasina’s political manoeuvring, however, has not been without criticism. The Business Today article cites an editorial from The Financial Express that labels the PM’s crackdown on opposition as “authoritarian.” The editorial references a new “National Security Act” passed on July 9, 2025, which empowers the security forces to detain individuals without formal charges. Hasina, in a televised address on August 2, 2025, defended the law as a “necessary measure to prevent political violence and maintain stability.”

The article also includes a link to the official government statement that outlines the policy shift. It notes that Hasina has been actively engaging with opposition leaders in a series of “dialogue forums” scheduled for early 2026, a move that could signal a cautious easing of political tensions.

5. The Road Ahead: Upcoming Elections, International Scrutiny, and Potential Shifts

With the next general election slated for 2028, the political landscape remains fluid. Business Today’s analysis suggests that the Awami League’s advantage lies in its control of the state apparatus and its track record of economic development. Conversely, the BNP, under Rahman’s leadership, is striving to regain legitimacy by positioning itself as the defender of democratic rights, albeit hampered by the ongoing legal battles over Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment.

Internationally, the United Nations has called for “respect for the rule of law” in Bangladesh, particularly concerning the treatment of opposition leaders. The United States and the European Union have issued statements urging the government to ensure fair judicial proceedings. Business Today links to the UN’s latest report and a press release from the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Conclusion

The Business Today article paints a nuanced portrait of Bangladesh’s political environment in late 2025. Tarique Rahman’s legal battles, Khaleda Zia’s contentious imprisonment, Muhammad Yunus’ rising political profile amidst scandal, and Sheikh Hasina’s firm grip on power combine to create a dynamic and often unpredictable political arena. As the country edges toward the 2028 elections, the actions taken by these key figures—and the responses of the judiciary, civil society, and international community—will determine whether Bangladesh’s political future leans toward greater democratic consolidation or further polarization. The business and policy implications of these developments, especially in the context of Bangladesh’s burgeoning economy, are set to remain a focal point for stakeholders worldwide.