Dhaka, Sept 07 (V7N) – After nearly twenty years away from the media spotlight, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given an exclusive interview to BBC Bangla, discussing the country’s ongoing political developments, the interim government, reform agendas, and Bangladesh’s relationship with India.

The second part of his interview, released on Tuesday (September 7), marked a rare appearance by the BNP leader, who has long remained out of public view.

Speaking about relations with the interim government, Tarique Rahman said,

“The matter is political, not personal. We want the interim government to succeed. Their main task is to hold a fair and impartial election along with necessary reforms. The warmth or coolness of our relationship will depend on how effectively they fulfill that responsibility.”

He explained that earlier public doubts about the neutrality of the interim administration had diminished following the Chief Advisor’s announcement of an election roadmap and his repeated commitment to ensuring fairness.

“Initially, they had not clarified their position on the election, which created doubts in people’s minds. But after the head of the interim government declared a clear roadmap and stood firm on it, those doubts began to fade,” Tarique said.

On his meeting in London with Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Tarique described it as “courteous and constructive,” noting that they discussed Bangladesh’s political future and the steps the BNP would take if it returned to power.

When asked to assess the army-backed caretaker administration of 2007–08, Tarique Rahman called it “a government with ill intentions.”

“They wanted to destroy what we had built, to depoliticize the country, and to push Bangladesh into darkness,” he said.

On foreign policy, Tarique Rahman reiterated BNP’s long-held principle of “Bangladesh First.”

“My people, my country, and my sovereignty come first. Everything else follows from that,” he said.

Responding to questions about Bangladesh’s relationship with India, Tarique stressed that the BNP’s policy prioritizes national interest above all else.

“Of course, I want Bangladesh’s rightful share of water. I don’t want to see another Teesta hanging in the balance. If the people of our country are hurt, we will not accept it,” he added.

Referring to the current cooling of Dhaka-Delhi relations following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Tarique Rahman remarked,

“If they (India) choose to support autocracy and become anathema to the people of Bangladesh, there’s nothing we can do. The people have made their decision, and I will always stand with them.”

The rare interview has generated significant political attention, as it marks Tarique Rahman’s most direct and comprehensive remarks in years on the country’s future direction and BNP’s policy priorities.

END/SMA/AJ