Tarique Rahman, Bangladeshs prime minister-elect from the BNP, has put the Awami League in a tough spot with his latest remarks on dealing with the partys supporters: stick to the rule of law. Speaking at a packed press conference in Dhaka just days after BNPs sweeping election victory, Rahman sidestepped direct talk of amnesty or revenge, saying justice will come through legal channels alone.

BNPs triumph in the February 2026 polls marked a dramatic shift, with Awami League effectively barred from running, pushing its voters—many still loyal despite the 2024 upheaval—to back BNP or smaller parties like Jamaat-e-Islami. Most chose BNP, drawn by promises of an equal Bangladesh that safeguards minorities, women, and national unity. Rahmans measured tone builds on his 2025 calls to BNP members, urging no retaliation and focusing on reforms instead. Its a clear break from the vengeance cycles that plagued Bangladesh politics after Sheikh Hasinas ouster, signaling a push for stability over score-settling.

For Awami League remnants, now scattered and hit with charges often linked just to membership, Rahmans words raise tough questions. Will fair trials clear the innocent while holding accountable those tied to protest crackdowns? Or does rule of law hint at selective justice? Party insiders worry about blanket persecution, even as BNP vows to drop fabricated cases. This dilemma echoes broader voter fatigue. Traditional AL strongholds flipped by emphasizing practical appeals—jobs, security, and anti-corruption—over ideology. BNPs savvy pivot from past Islamist alliances to a more inclusive platform sealed the deal.

Analysts see Rahmans stance as pragmatic politics: prosecute real abuses, integrate the rest, and avoid the authoritarian traps that doomed Hasina. His 31-point reform plan positions progress as the ultimate rebuttal to past oppressors. As Rahman prepares to take office, Bangladesh watches closely. A true rule-of-law era could knit the nation back together; mishandled, it risks fresh turmoil. With a strong mandate fueled by calls for lasting democracy, the new leadership has a chance to rewrite the script.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.