In the book Tarique Rahman: Politics and Policies, the author Mohammad Zainul Abedin offers a comprehensive political biography that not only charts the life of Tarique Rahman, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh politics, but also provides a nuanced analysis of the nation’s contemporary political crises.

The book deftly intertwines the personal with the political, framing Tarique’s story within the broader context of Bangladesh’s volatile political landscape.

Structured with precision, the work casts a critical eye on the governance of the Awami League, highlighting the profound challenges Tarique faces as a political leader and reflecting on the larger ramifications for the country’s democracy, justice system, and socio-economic fabric.

One of the most compelling features of this volume is its examination of the erosion of democratic norms in Bangladesh.

In its opening chapter, the author critically explores what is referred to as an "unwritten one-party rule" under the Awami League, contending that the ruling party has systematically undermined democratic institutions to preserve its power.

Tarique Rahman emerges in this analysis not merely as a politician but as a symbol of resistance, positioned as a counterforce to the excesses of an increasingly authoritarian government.

Chapter Six, titled A Victim of Conspiracy, shifts focus to Tarique’s legal and media battles, revealing how disinformation campaigns and politically motivated lawsuits have been used to tarnish his reputation and neutralize him as an opposition figure.

Drawing upon a wealth of legal documentation and media reports, the book constructs a powerful argument that paints Tarique as one of the most politically victimized leaders in modern Bangladesh, suggesting that his persecution serves as a strategic tool in the ruling party’s consolidation of power.

Yet the book does not reduce itself solely to a political critique. In Chapter Five, Empowering People: An Expert Policy Maker, the author expands the narrative to include Tarique’s role in shaping public policy, particularly in the realm of agriculture.

The chapter presents Tarique as a thoughtful policymaker, whose initiatives have sought to address critical issues such as food security and the economic empowerment of rural communities.

This section highlights his broader vision for an economically self-sufficient Bangladesh.

Portraying the personality

Further diversifying its scope, Chapter Three, The Philanthropic Person, delves into Tarique’s charitable work, focusing on his involvement in various welfare initiatives such as the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, the Komol Seed Project, and the Asthma Care and Prevention Center.

The author posits that these efforts reflect Rahman’s deep commitment to public health and poverty alleviation—issues that have often been sidelined by successive administrations.

Perhaps the most provocative section of the book is Chapter Nine, Misrule of Law, which delves into the politicization of the judiciary under the ruling Awami League.

Using detailed case studies—including the controversial imprisonment of Begum Khaleda Zia and the judicial anomalies surrounding Tarique’s own legal struggles—the author argues that Bangladesh’s courts have become tools for silencing opposition figures, particularly within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

This raises urgent concerns about the erosion of legal impartiality in a country where the judiciary is increasingly viewed as compromised.

The theme of judicial manipulation extends further into Chapter Fourteen, Tarique Rahman on Why the BNP Is Boycotting the Bangladesh Elections, where the author contextualizes the BNP's decision to refrain from participating in elections that are seen as fundamentally flawed.

The lack of a neutral election-time government, a long-standing demand of the opposition, is presented as evidence of the Awami League’s unwillingness to ensure fair and free elections.

Beyond the political critique, the book also explores Tarique’s vision for Bangladesh’s future. In the concluding chapters, the author makes a compelling case for Tarique as a leader capable of navigating the country out of its current political quagmire.

Chapter Thirteen, Concluding Comments & The Promised Policies: Why Tarique Rahman Is Inevitable, outlines a bold roadmap for political and constitutional reforms, proposing the introduction of a bicameral parliament, a referendum system, and a non-party caretaker government to oversee elections.

These proposals are presented as essential steps toward restoring democracy and fostering fair political competition in Bangladesh.

The visionary leader

The final chapter, Independence 2.0, takes a forward-looking approach, exploring the role of Generation Z and digital activism in shaping the future of political movements in Bangladesh.

It highlights the importance of youth engagement in the ongoing struggle for democracy and presents Tarique Rahman as a figure who not only acknowledges the generational shift but is also prepared to harness it to push for change.

This book is a thoroughly engaging and meticulously researched exploration of Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Far from being just a biography, it serves as a political manifesto, a critique of authoritarianism, and a passionate call for systemic reform.

It portrays Tarique Rahman as both a victim of political persecution and a forward-thinking leader ready to confront the nation’s most urgent challenges.

While the book effectively underscores Rahman’s contributions and critiques the authoritarian tendencies of the ruling government, it is not without its shortcomings. The narrative tends to focus heavily on Tarique’s victimization, at times to the detriment of a more balanced analysis.

Although the book thoroughly documents the Awami League’s authoritarian governance, a deeper exploration of the BNP’s own political flaws, past governance missteps, and internal struggles would have enriched the overall argument.

Furthermore, the book often presents Tarique’s leadership as the singular viable solution for Bangladesh’s future, without fully engaging with alternative political paths or considering emerging leaders within the BNP or beyond.

Despite these limitations, the book remains an essential read for political analysts, South Asian scholars, and anyone interested in the future of democracy in Bangladesh.

Its in-depth analysis and thought-provoking perspectives make it a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the country’s political trajectory.

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Md Jobayer Hossain is the Country Coordinator for Malaysia & Singapore, Amnesty International UK. You can reach him at Jobayer.hossain@amnesty.org.uk