Timeline
Born on 20 November in Dhaka.
Started political career as a primary member of the BNP in Gabtali, Bogura.
Detained under the military-backed caretaker government; investigations launched on bribery and money laundering charges.
Released on parole and went into self-imposed exile in the UK.
Elected Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP.
Bangladesh High Court found him guilty in a money laundering case, sentencing him to seven years imprisonment and a fine (overturning a lower court acquittal).
Acquitted of all charges and had sentences quashed by the courts; appellate court overturned verdict in 2004 Dhaka grenade attack case.
Returned to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending his exile.
Became Chairman of BNP (January), won the general election, and was sworn in as Prime Minister (February).
Biography
Tarique Rahman (born 20 November 1968), also known as Tarique Zia, is a Bangladeshi politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since 2026. He is the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman rose to prominence during his mother's premiership but faced numerous allegations of corruption and involvement in a grenade attack, leading to convictions. Following the July Uprising in 2024, he was acquitted of all charges and returned to Bangladesh in late 2025. He led the BNP to a landslide victory in the 2026 general election and was sworn in as Prime Minister. Time Magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2026.
Early Life & Background
Tarique Rahman was born on 20 November 1968 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is the eldest son of Ziaur Rahman, a military officer who became President of Bangladesh, and Khaleda Zia, who later became Prime Minister. His family belongs to the Muslim Mandals from Bagbari in Gabtali, Bogura District. His father was a Bir Uttom recipient. His mother was from Fulgazi, Feni. Rahman's early life was shaped by his parents' prominent roles in Bangladeshi politics.
Education
Rahman began his education at BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, followed by a brief period at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School. He completed his secondary education at Dhaka Residential Model College and his HSC from Adamjee Cantonment College. In the 1985–86 academic year, he was admitted to the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka, later changing to the Department of International Relations. However, he dropped out during his second year of undergraduate studies to pursue a business career in the textile and shipping sectors.
Political & Professional Career
Tarique Rahman commenced his political journey in 1988 as a primary member of the local upazila branch of the BNP in Gabtali, Bogura. He actively participated in BNP campaign activities during the 1991 and 1996 national elections, supporting his mother, Khaleda Zia. Between 1996 and 2001, he was involved in opposition political activities. In 2009, he was elected Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP. After years in self-imposed exile, he returned to Bangladesh in December 2025. On 9 January 2026, he became the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He subsequently won the 2026 general election and was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 17 February 2026.
Key Achievements & Legacy
Became Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 17 February 2026., Elected Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on 9 January 2026., Led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a landslide victory in the 2026 general election., Named one of 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time Magazine in 2026., Acquitted of all charges and had his sentences quashed by the courts in 2024.