
—Md. Kamal Uddin One of the characteristics of history is that it never makes hasty judgments. History determines only after a long journey of time which person, leadership or political analysis has truly passed the test of time. On October 12, 2024, a political analysis of mine was published in the daily Bhorer Awaaz and The Banner. There, I wrote that in the political reality of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman is a leader who, despite being in exile for a long time, is influencing the political course of the country and has the potential to take on important responsibilities of national leadership in the future. Today, standing in July 2026, reading that article again, it seems as if time has presented that analysis in its own language in a new light. Last July 20, 2026. The evening sky was covered with clouds, with drizzle everywhere. But on that rainy evening, in the meeting held in the presence of important political figures of the country at the State Guest House Jamuna, I got the opportunity to listen to Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman’s speech, national thought, political philosophy and outline of the future of Bangladesh from very close quarters. As a journalist, researcher and long-time political observer, this was an important experience for me. At that moment, I remembered the political analysis I wrote two years ago. Tarique Rahman’s political life was never easy. Although political legacy is a part of his identity, his entire political journey was full of struggle, controversy, challenge and long wait. Even from a distance from the center of power, he led the party, played a role in political decisions and maintained continuous communication with leaders and activists through technology. For his supporters, this was a symbol of strong leadership. For his critics, it was a matter of debate. But the reality is that he was at the center of discussion for a long time as one of the most discussed political figures in Bangladesh. In the history of world politics, there are many leaders who, for various reasons, have had a profound impact on the politics of their nation despite being far from their own country. The political history of Charles de Gaulle, Benazir Bhutto, Kim Dae-jung, Rashid Ghannouchi, Vladimir Lenin or Ruhollah Khomeini shows that sometimes geographical distance cannot stop the power of leadership. This is the international context I highlighted in my analysis in 2024. The purpose was to explain one thing—political leadership is not limited to physical presence; political influence, organizational capacity, and public trust can often be built from a distance. Today’s reality has created new relevance for that discussion. However, the true assessment of a statesman is never based solely on popularity. The ability to govern the state, strengthen democratic institutions, establish the rule of law, ensure accountability, maintain economic stability, take an effective stand against corruption, and improve the living standards of the common people—these are the true criteria for a leader’s success. This is also the biggest challenge facing Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister at the present time. Building an effective, accountable, and development-oriented state system that meets the expectations of the people is now the biggest test of his leadership. I believe,The people of Bangladesh value practical work more than political promises. History ultimately judges actions. From my long experience in journalism, research, and political observation, I have realized that the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladeshi politics will be meaningful only when national interests, development, democracy, human values, and the welfare of the people receive the highest priority instead of political rivalry. This is why I am presenting my political analysis published in 2024 to the readers again today. Because times have changed, reality has changed, and the position of leadership has also changed. As a result, that article also demands reading and evaluation in a new context today. I humbly request the readers to read this article not as a political campaign, but as a reassessment of a political analysis over time. Let the reader judge how much similarity or discrepancy there is between the observation of two years ago and today’s reality. History never immortalizes the individual, but his actions. Time will determine what kind of legacy Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave in the political history of Bangladesh. But this much is undeniable—he is now an important chapter in the discussion of contemporary politics in Bangladesh, and it is not possible to write future political history without ignoring him. Time is the greatest witness. History is the final judge.

