From an Unsettled State to a Stable Future—A Dream, a Possibility, and a Political Transformation
Introduction: A Historic Turning Point
25 December 2025 stands as more than a date in Bangladesh’s political calendar; it marks a symbolic turning point. After nearly seventeen years in exile, Tarique Rahman returned home at a moment when the state was passing through prolonged instability—political polarisation, social fragmentation, recurring violence, and the corrosive spread of mob violence.
This return was not merely personal; it was political, ethical, and psychological. Tarique Rahman returned to a nation fatigued by fear-driven politics, cycles of retaliation, and a divided public sphere. His address on the day of his return was therefore not just a party speech; it was an attempt to reopen a national conversation. This essay rearticulates that moment—examining his homecoming, the substance of his historic address, and the promise of building “a Bangladesh for all,” where peace replaces unrest, nonviolence supplants coercion, and love overcomes division.
Chapter One: The Context of an Unsettled State
For years, Bangladesh’s political reality has been defined by chronic instability. Public confidence in electoral processes has eroded; dissenting voices have narrowed; pressure on the media has intensified; and extrajudicial violence, alongside the normalisation of mob violence, has damaged the moral fabric of the state.
In this environment, politics became synonymous with anxiety rather than hope. The state increasingly appeared as an instrument of power rather than a guardian of citizens’ rights. Against this backdrop, Tarique Rahman’s return raised a fundamental question: would it reproduce old power struggles, or could it inaugurate a new political ethic?
Chapter Two: The Symbolism of Return
Tarique Rahman’s long exile distanced him from direct power, yet it also offered perspective—exposure to international democratic practices, human-rights norms, and alternative models of governance. His return thus represented a political re-entry where past experiences and future expectations converged.
Public reactions were understandably mixed. For some, the return rekindled hope; for others, it prompted caution. This duality itself underscores his continued relevance: he remains a figure capable of shaping national debate.
Chapter Three: A New Language for the Nation
In his address, Tarique Rahman centred on Bangladesh—not party rivalry. He articulated a simple yet powerful premise: Bangladesh belongs to everyone. It is not the possession of any single party or group. Farmers and workers, minorities and majorities, women and youth, dissenters and believers alike—each is an equal stakeholder in the republic.
This vision directly challenges the entrenched “us versus them” binary that has long dominated political discourse. The idea of “a Bangladesh for all” is not merely a slogan; it is a moral stance that redefines the state’s obligation as one of inclusion, dignity, and security for every citizen.
Chapter Four: A Clear Stand Against Violence
Perhaps the most compelling dimension of his speech was its unequivocal rejection of violence. Tarique Rahman condemned mob violence, political vendetta, and hate-driven mobilisation as existential threats to the nation.
In recent years, rumours, incitement, and polarisation have fueled outbreaks of violence that erode trust and fracture communities. By insisting on peace over unrest and love over hatred, he articulated a normative framework in which nonviolence becomes a core principle of statecraft—not merely a tactical preference.
Chapter Five: “I Have a Plan”—The Language of Leadership
One line from the speech resonated widely: “I have a plan for my country.” The phrase evoked comparisons with Martin Luther King Jr. and his immortal “I have a dream.”
For supporters, the statement signalled resolve and direction at a time of drift. Critics, however, suggested that “We have a plan” would have conveyed a more collective, democratic ethos. The critique is meaningful: contemporary leadership is increasingly measured by its capacity to mobilise the many rather than centre the self.
Yet within Bangladesh’s context—marked by leadership vacuums—the assertion of a plan also conveyed clarity and confidence. The challenge ahead lies in translating that “I” into a genuine “we.”
Chapter Six: Leadership as Transformation
Tarique Rahman’s political career includes controversy and criticism. But leadership is ultimately judged by one’s capacity to learn, adapt, and transform. Exile afforded him distance from the immediate pressures of power—and the opportunity to reassess.
The decisive question is whether he will move beyond retributive politics toward an institutional, law-based approach to governance. If so, his leadership could evolve from partisan authority to statesmanship.
Chapter Seven: The Architecture of “A Bangladesh for All”
1. Rule of Law and Justice
In a shared Bangladesh, the law would operate impartially. Political identity would not determine justice. Extrajudicial practices would give way to due process, restoring citizens’ faith in institutions.
2. Minorities and the Marginalised
Religious and ethnic minorities would enjoy full citizenship—safety, dignity, and equal opportunity. Fear would be replaced by trust as the foundation of state–citizen relations.
3. Women and Youth
Women and youth would move from the margins to the centre of nation-building. Education, employment, and leadership pathways would expand, making politics a space of possibility rather than intimidation.
4. Freedom of Expression and Media
Dissent would be recognised as a democratic strength, not subversion. A free, responsible, and secure media environment would enable accountability and informed public discourse.
5. Social Cohesion
Diversity—of faith, language, and culture—would be treated as an asset. Against mob violence, the state would prioritise dialogue, lawful enforcement, and community trust.
Chapter Eight: The Challenges Ahead
Turning this vision into reality will be arduous. The obstacles are formidable:
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Democratic reform within party structures
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Acknowledgement of past errors and commitment to accountability
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Renunciation of revenge-driven politics
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Reconstruction of weakened state institutions
Without confronting these challenges, “a Bangladesh for all” risks remaining an emotive narrative rather than a governing philosophy.
Chapter Nine: A Nation Reawakened
The most profound impact of the address was psychological. A society long weighed down by fear and cynicism rediscovered the language of hope. If this sentiment is channelled into ethical leadership and coherent policy, Bangladesh can re-enter a democratic trajectory.
Conclusion: From Dream to Republic—A Shared Responsibility
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming has opened a door of possibility in Bangladesh’s history. If he can transform “I have a plan” into “We have a plan,” and embed nonviolence and inclusion into state policy rather than rhetoric, a truly shared Bangladesh may emerge.
Such a Bangladesh would offer direction to the lost, replace hatred with solidarity, and define peace—not coercion—as its national identity. Realising this vision is not the task of one leader alone; it is a collective commitment of the nation itself.
About the Author
Minhaz Samad Chowdhury is an Independent Human Rights Defender from Bangladesh, focusing on state violence, media freedom, minority protection, political rights, and democratic accountability.
🌐 https://hr-defender.blogspot.com
This article is based on an analysis of multiple international and national sources, including Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Hindu, Prothom Alo, and Bangla political commentaries.
Related Topics:
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: Return from Exile, Democracy on Trial, and the Imperative of Accountability
Mob Violence in Bangladesh: Why Independent International Scrutiny Has Become a Democratic Imperative
A Bangladesh That Fears Dissent Is Not Yet Fully Democratic
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