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News India Live, Digital Desk: What if the return of a leader with a controversial and criminal image proves beneficial for your neighboring country? It may sound a bit strange, but there is a strong discussion in the political circles of Bangladesh that the active role of BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) working president Tariq Rahman in politics can indirectly bring good news for India. Tariq Rehman, known as the ‘Dark Prince’, has been facing many serious charges like corruption, promoting terrorism and even attempt to murder, and he is currently living in exile in London.
Who is Tariq Rehman and why is he so controversial?
Tariq Rahman is the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and is a prominent face of BNP. There has been a shadow of controversies since the beginning of his political career. In 2004, he allegedly masterminded a grenade attack on an Awami League rally, in which sitting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped and many people lost their lives. Bangladesh courts have sentenced him in many cases on charges of corruption and involvement in seditious activities. For all these reasons, he is also known as ‘Dark Prince’.
Complex relationship between India and Bangladesh
It is very important for India to have the political stability of Bangladesh and a party in power that will take care of its interests. At present, the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina is considered a friend of India. Hasina government has taken strict action against the rebels in North-East India, which has strengthened India’s border security.
However, there is some pressure on the Awami League at the international level regarding the election process, and countries like the US are advocating for free and fair elections in Bangladesh. In this scenario, America can see BNP as a strong alternative to Awami League.
Tariq Rehman’s return and India’s interest: A paradox
Now let’s talk about the paradox of how the emergence of a controversial leader like Tariq Rehman can be ‘good news’ for India:
- Declining popularity among the public: The negative image of Tariq Rahman is not liked at all among a large population of Bangladesh. His past associated with corruption and violence has made him quite unpopular among the educated, secular and progressive society of the country.
- Challenge for BNP: If Tariq Rehman actively takes over the reins of BNP, it will be extremely difficult for his party to instill confidence among the common voters. Even if the BNP tries to present itself as a credible alternative to democracy on the international stage, Tariq’s shadow will overshadow it.
- Benefits to Hasina government: With the BNP’s image tarnished because of Tariq Rehman, voters who might be against the Awami League are left with no clear alternative. In such a situation, they would hardly choose a party whose leader is surrounded by so many controversies. This situation may indirectly benefit Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
In short, even though Tariq Rehman appears to be a direct enemy to India, his political unpopularity could weaken the BNP’s chances of winning the elections. And if this happens, the chances of Sheikh Hasina government remaining in power increases, which is more favorable to India’s strategic and security interests. In such a situation, ‘Black Prince’ Tariq Rehman inadvertently becomes a strange hope for India.