A Bangladeshinfo.com Analysis

Ending the mystery of his invisible presence in ruling BNP's politics and the power game centering the Hawa Bhaban as a 'king in waiting', late President Ziaur Rahman's elder son Tarique Rahman has joined the readymade dynasty led by his mother and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Zia, as he is popularly known to be, is acting like what is called in monarchy the Crown Prince and now he has come to the scene to directly dominate the influential decision-making process of the country's arguably the biggest party in power with all his prowess and prudence.

Tarique Zia came to the limelight with the phenomenal success of BNP-led alliance in the October 1 parliamentary polls as he led from behind the scene at the Hawa Bhaban-based think-tank, which was unthinkable to many, both inside the party and also in the opposition camp. Recently, he brushed aside certain whispers surrounding Hawa Bhaban as the nerve center of power in disguise, terming it only as political secretariat of BNP.

He is coming to lead the new generation of leaders in the party after the senior office bearers are making way for their induction in the future leadership of the party and, maybe, setting his sight in the Cabinet. He has already established his influence and control over many BNP Members of Parliament (MPs).

With the age and health condition of Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Zia started taking preparations for the all-important leadership of the party since the last general elections.

His making of the number one Joint Secretary-General of the governing party has just made room for him in the committee, awaiting a far more responsible position in the days ahead. Even if he does not hold any position in the party high command, everybody knows it well that he is the son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and incumbent Prime Minister Begum Zia who holds the key for many to get in or go out at the helm of power.

Many observers say he would do good in politics if he maintains caution about a popular proverb: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." And it is hoped that his leadership will show BNP a path towards a better future by infusing fresh blood in leadership to attract young generations.

This time is clearly an acid test for an emerging young leader like him. It is always difficult to keep one's head cool when sycophants have already surrounded him. Also, difficult for him is to accept Voltaire's concept of democratic latitude in a given situation.

Tarique Zia becomes leader well before his coronation in the party hierarchy because all trains of mid-ranking leaders, many a young lawmakers and also rank and file are bound for him, assuming the potential leadership in him in the foreseeable future.

Dynastical composition in democracy is very common in Bangladesh like other countries in the sub-continent. Tarique Zia is the classical example of that kind of prince in BNP politics as Sheikh Hasina is in holding the top position of a party once led by her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

India experienced Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, Benazir Bhutto inherited her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in Pakistan and in Sri Lanka President Chandrika Kumaraqtunga Bandernayeke is leading the nation after her father SWRD Bandernayeke.