Bangladesh’s “Great Game” Complete: Tarique Rahman Becomes PM, But Muhammad Yunus Emerges as the True Winner

Dhaka: Tarique Rahman has officially become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking the end of the political storm that began after July 2024. However, many analysts argue that Muhammad Yunus, former chief adviser of the interim government, is the real victor of Bangladesh’s recent political upheaval.

Yunus, despite having no direct political power, skillfully aligned hardline right-wing parties like BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hifazat-e-Islam on key issues. He successfully brought most of these groups under a single umbrella, strategically neutralizing opposition to consolidate his influence.

The 18-Month Political Campaign

The political battle of the past 18 months, driven by Yunus, achieved several major outcomes:

• Facilitated the US-Bangladesh trade deal
• Strengthened military cooperation with Pakistan
• Expanded Chinese influence in Northeast India
• Brokered agreements with the US for the Myanmar mission
• Built closer ties with Turkey and other Islamic nations
• Oversaw the release of Islamist figures from prison
• Weakened Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League’s political base

Bangladeshi-American political analyst Shafqat Rabbi said, “Even at 85, Yunus worked tirelessly and achieved nearly everything he aimed for in a short time, making him one of the most effective figures in Bangladesh’s history.”

However, not all experts view his legacy positively. Professor Asif Mohammad Shahin of Dhaka University’s Development Studies department warned that while some achievements were notable, the country’s law and order has suffered, the economy is in decline, extra-judicial killings continue, and attacks on minorities have increased. Critics also point out that women’s rights were largely sidelined.

How Yunus Achieved Success

By strategically uniting disparate Islamist and right-wing parties, and temporarily experimenting with a student organization—the National Citizens Party (NCP)—Yunus neutralized potential threats, including Sheikh Hasina’s possible political comeback. His success was further supported by foreign powers that ensured stability for his plans.

What Lies Ahead for Yunus?

Analysts suggest that Yunus could become the country’s next President, though BNP may oppose this, fearing a dual power structure. It is also speculated that Yunus may step back and allow Tarique Rahman to govern, potentially leaving behind a legacy as a leader who wielded power without personal greed.

As Bangladesh enters a new political era under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Muhammad Yunus remains the figure whose influence shaped the outcome behind the scenes, cementing his position as the real strategist and victor of the Great Game.