From Exile To Student Leader, These Five Contenders Are Eyeing Bangladesh PM’s Post

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 16:54 IST

With Sheikh Hasina ousted and Khaleda Zia passing away, Bangladesh is entering uncharted territory. 

For the first time in decades, Bangladesh cast its ballots in a general election without Sheikh Hasina or Khaleda Zia on the ballot, signaling a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape. Thursday’s vote, held across 299 constituencies, comes 18 months after Sheikh Hasina was ousted, a period marked by unrest, political uncertainty and growing economic pressures.

For nearly half a century, Bangladeshi politics has been dominated by two figures: Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. The so-called “Two Begums"- Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the nation’s founding father, and Khaleda Zia, widow of former President Ziaur Rahman- defined the country’s electoral contests.

With Sheikh Hasina ousted and Khaleda Zia passing away, Bangladesh is entering uncharted territory.

Bangladesh Elections: PM Contenders

Tarique Rahman (BNP)

Chairman of the Bangladesh ist Party and son of former President Ziaur Rahman and late PM Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman is widely viewed as the frontrunner. Returning from a 17-year exile in London, Rahman has rebuilt the BNP’s extensive political network. His platform promises protection for minorities, foreign policy reforms and an ambitious plan to grow Bangladesh into a USD 1-trillion economy. Rahman has also pledged to maintain bilateral relations with India “based on mutual trust and mutual interest" if elected.

Shafiqur Rahman (Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh)

Leading an 11-party alliance, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman transformed the formerly banned party into a major challenger. His campaign blends conservative Islamic values with youth-oriented development initiatives. Focusing on ethical governance, social justice, women’s safety, youth empowerment and anti-corruption measures, Shafiqur has also expressed willingness to cooperate with India on modernization projects.

Nahid Islam ( Citizen Party)

A figurehead of the 2024 student-led revolt, Nahid Islam embodies the political aspirations of Bangladesh’s Gen Z. As an advisor to the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Nahid has positioned himself as a break from dynasty politics, appealing strongly to younger voters.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (BNP)

The veteran BNP secretary general is considered the party’s “Plan B." Should legal or electoral obstacles prevent Tarique Rahman from taking office, Fakhrul- with his long experience in government and activism- could provide stability and serve as a bridge to civil society and international partners.

Syed Rezaul Karim (Islami Andolan Bangladesh)

Known as the “Charmonai Pir," Karim leads the IAB independently. His significant religious following makes him a potential kingmaker in a hung parliament. If neither the BNP nor the 11-party alliance achieves a majority, Karim could leverage his position for strategic concessions, potentially even the premiership.

News world From Exile To Student Leader, These Five Contenders Are Eyeing Bangladesh PM’s Post

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