Tarique Rahman has been appointed the new chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) following the death of his mother, Khaleda Zia. The appointment was unanimously approved by the BNP's National Standing Committee. Rahman, who previously served as acting chairman, is seen as a leading contender for prime minister in the upcoming February elections. He has stated that Bangladesh should not return to the political conditions preceding the August 5, 2024, ousting of the Awami League government and emphasized the importance of dialogue, accountability, and democratic processes.