Political power in Bangladesh has swung back and forth between two families since 1991. That is unlikely to change at next year’s election – and in the longer term, the next generation of both dynasties is just waiting to take control
DHAKA // The future of Bangladesh depends on two men who do not live there, the heirs apparent to the South-Asian nation’s most powerful political dynasties.
One is a technology consultant who lives in the United States with his American wife and young daughter.
The other is reportedly studying for a law degree in London, living in self-imposed exile because he faces corruption charges at home.
The consultant has been visiting small towns in Bangladesh in recent weeks, campaigning for his mother’s re-election.
The law student is meeting with powerful political aides in Saudi Arabia, helping to plan his family’s return to power.
But give them a few years, political observers say, and either could become the prime minister of Bangladesh, which has been ruled by their families since independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, 42, the son of the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and Tarique Rahman, 46, the son of opposition leader Khaleda Zia, have emerged as the country’s most powerful political heirs.
“Their influence is huge,” said Hassan Shahriar, a political analyst in Bangladesh. “It’s almost impossible to rise to the top coming from outside these families in the current context.”
With national elections due by early next year, Mr Joy and Mr Rahman are key figures in their mothers’ campaigns, and are earning much publicity for themselves.
The indications are that the men are headed for powerful roles in the country’s two major political parties – Ms Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League and Ms Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The seeming inevitability of the sons’ rise rankles with some in Bangladesh, who see it as fundamentally undemocratic.
“This is not a kingdom, why would they come after their mothers?” asks Mazharul Islam, a college student. “Are there no other people with brains and guts to rule us? This is ridiculous.”
But political dynasties are a fact of life in South Asia. Families of independence leaders, first presidents or descendants of longtime leaders often have immense influence in politics. In Bangladesh, Ms Hasina and Ms Zia have led their parties for decades without any open challenges.
“Look at India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan,” Mr Shahriar said. “Bangladesh is no different. Cronies surround these families, back them and strengthen their hands to get slices of power.”
In Bangladesh – a nation struggling to overcome extreme poverty, vicious politics and a recent string of horrific accidents linked to the garment industry – photos of Mr Joy and Mr Rahman feature on party posters with their mothers.
In recent weeks, Mr Joy has toured the country, receiving a rock star-style welcome in towns where supporters lined roads and chanted party slogans. Scrums of reporters followed his motorcade.
“One day he will be prime minister – why not?” said Mahbubul Haque Shakil, an aide to Ms Hasina. “This is a democracy. If people want, he will surely be.”
Mr Rahman will play a major role in deciding who gets nominations for the country’s 300 parliamentary constituencies. He has campaigned for his mother, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006, and reportedly hand-picked several members of her cabinet.
He left the country in 2008 on medical grounds, with the permission from a court, after his mother’s five-year term expired amid chaos on the streets over elections. A caretaker government backed by the military arrested him and allegedly tortured him in custody.
He is senior vice president of the BNP, despite allegations of corruption that could lead to his arrest if he returns to Bangladesh.
A special court indicted him, along with a businessman friend, in 2011. Prosecutors said the pair had received Dh10 million in bribes while his mother was prime minister. Another court issued an arrest warrant against Mr Rahman, accusing him of masterminding grenade attacks on a rally for Ms Hasina in Dhaka when she was opposition leader in 2004. At least 24 people died in that attack.
Ms Zia’s opposition party has denied all charges against Mr Rahman, saying they are aimed at destroying her family’s reputation.
“It’s just a matter of time. He will return as a hero,” said Jamilur Qadir, one of his supporters.
* Associated Press
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
