Political leadership is often shaped by interactions with diverse political ethos and governance models, economic strategies, and national and global experiences. Historically, many national leaders returning from international engagements have introduced innovative ideas that have significantly influenced domestic policy frameworks.
For example, Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia on April 16, 1917 (April 3 on the old Russian calendar) via Germany after years of exile in Switzerland, led the Bolshevik Revolution, and initiated Communist reforms in Russia, marking a major political shift in the global political and economic order.
Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after a 17-year period of politically imposed exile in England. Following this return, he successfully secured a parliamentary majority in the national elections held on February 12, 2026.
Since Tarique was selected as the prime minister, his recent visits to Malaysia and China have yielded actionable insights; they present a critical opportunity for Bangladesh to evaluate effective development paradigms and consider how applicable lessons could be integrated into its unique economic and political context.
China and Malaysia exemplify two contrasting yet highly successful trajectories of economic transformation. China has undergone one of the swiftest and most extensive economic transformations in recent history, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty, positioning itself as a global leader in manufacturing and technology, and securing its status as the world's second-largest economy.
According to Investopedia, China’s economy is the second-largest in the world by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $20.85 trillion, after the US.
World Economics projects Malaysia's GDP in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms to reach $1.766 trillion by 2025, with a preliminary estimate of $1.83 trillion for 2026. This projection exceeds the World Bank’s official figure by approximately 40%.
Malaysia's economic landscape has evolved into one of the most diversified in Southeast Asia, driven by strategic industrialization initiatives, substantial investments in human capital, a strong focus on export-oriented manufacturing, and comprehensive long-term planning strategies.
Bangladesh, China, and Malaysia have solidified their positions as pivotal partners in strategic economic and developmental initiatives over the past few decades. Notably, China has been instrumental in advancing Bangladesh's infrastructure landscape, committing billions of dollars to various projects.
According to data from the American Enterprise Institute, Chinese investments in Bangladesh amount to approximately $7.07bn. This encompasses around $4.45bn earmarked for around 35 significant infrastructure and development initiatives associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underscoring China's crucial role in the country's growth strategy.
On the other hand, Malaysia is a major labour-export destination for Bangladesh. Bangladesh receives approximately $1.27bn in annual remittances from Malaysia, based on historical Bangladesh Bank data tracking the top remitting countries. Malaysia typically accounts for about 9% of the total foreign remittances sent to Bangladesh.
For leaders seeking to stimulate national development, the experiences of these nations offer critical case studies. The pertinent question for Bangladesh is not whether to replicate either model in full, but rather how to adapt and localise pragmatic lessons to align with the country’s democratic institutions, societal imperatives, and economic realities.
What to learn from Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in China's economic renaissance. His reforms, introduced in 1978 amid significant structural impediments, shifted the economy towards market-oriented policies, promoted foreign direct investment, established Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and bolstered international trade.
Deng’s leadership philosophy prioritized tangible outcomes over ideological debates, reflecting a pragmatic approach to economic management.
The evolution of Shenzhen stands as a quintessential example of strategic urban and economic transformation. Formerly a small fishing village, Shenzhen has emerged as a global epicentre for technology and manufacturing, a shift propelled by prolonged policy implementation, robust infrastructure development, and a consistent pro-innovation framework.
Analysts often cite Shenzhen as a case study underscoring the protracted nature of economic metamorphosis, emphasizing the necessity for patience, institutional durability, and ongoing investment, rather than reliance on swift political outcomes.
Malaysia offers additional strategic lessons. Since the 1980s, successive administrations have prioritised industrial diversification, infrastructure enhancement, higher education advancement, digitalization promotion, and bolstering export competitiveness.
The development of modern transport networks, structured urbanisation, and policies aimed at attracting investment have significantly enhanced Malaysia's economic standing in the region.
For Bangladesh, which has made significant advances in the garments sector, remittances, agriculture, and digital services, these experiences may serve more as useful reference points than as exact models.
Can Tarique Rahman achieve leadership comparable to Deng Xiaoping?
When comparing leaders such as Deng Xiaoping and Tarique Rahman, it is essential to recognize the contextual nuances that define their political environments. Deng's governance was situated within the complexities of China's socialist framework at a specific historical juncture, whereas Bangladesh operates under a distinct constitutional democracy with its own institutional and societal dynamics. Consequently, any direct comparison is inherently limited in scope.
Nonetheless, such analogical reasoning can be beneficial if we focus on identifying transferable leadership qualities rather than seeking direct equivalence. Attributes such as pragmatism, strategic acumen, adaptability, a commitment to economic advancement, investment in human capital, and execution-oriented leadership are universal traits that transcend geographical boundaries.
The potential for Tarique Rahman to embody these qualities depends on his future decisions, policy initiatives, leadership approach, and his ability to foster consensus across a heterogeneous political landscape. It is crucial to assess leadership not merely by intentions but by tangible outcomes.
Bangladesh is currently at a crossroads of significant opportunities and formidable challenges. Sustaining economic expansion, diversifying export markets, enhancing governance frameworks, improving educational outcomes, attracting foreign direct investment, building climate resilience, and promoting technological innovation will require proficient leadership across sectors, including political entities, the private sector, and civil society.
International engagements can catalyze this leadership development by exposing policymakers to a diverse array of governance models and best practices.
The essence of such exchanges lies not in imitation but in contextual adaptation - selecting concepts that resonate with local circumstances while adhering to Bangladesh's constitutional framework, cultural values, and developmental aspirations.
Looking ahead, the prosperity of Bangladesh will depend on leaders who align visionary perspectives with pragmatic implementation, foster innovation while fortifying institutional integrity, and pursue inclusive growth that uplifts all sectors of society.
Learning from the experiences of nations such as Malaysia and China could provide valuable insights into this developmental path.
Ultimately, history does not replicate itself uniformly across leaders. Each generation confronts unique challenges that necessitate bespoke solutions.
Rather than contemplating whether Tarique Rahman can mirror Deng Xiaoping's accomplishments, a more pertinent inquiry is whether he -- and other emerging leaders in Bangladesh -- can cultivate the essential qualities of strategic thinking, pragmatism, integrity, and long-term dedication that have defined successful reformists throughout history.
If Tarique Rahman aims to assume a greater leadership role in Bangladesh’s future, several insights from Malaysia and China may be particularly pertinent.
- Long-term national planning is crucial. Countries that achieve sustained development generally pursue strategic objectives that extend well beyond electoral cycles. Infrastructure, education, industrial policies, and technological advancement require continuity and bipartisan support.
- Investing in human capital is essential. Malaysia and China have allocated substantial funds to enhance higher education, vocational training, scientific research, and technological skills. Economic competitiveness increasingly relies on skilled workers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and researchers.
- Creating an environment favourable to private-sector investment is vital. Stable regulations, efficient public administration, transparent institutions, and quality infrastructure foster entrepreneurship and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
- Digital transformation is key. China has established itself as a global frontrunner in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital payments, and smart manufacturing, while Malaysia has consistently expanded its digital economy. Bangladesh has already made significant strides with initiatives like Digital Bangladesh, but ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation ecosystems could further boost national competitiveness.
- Forming a specialized task force with clear responsibilities. This is for monitoring the execution of development initiatives to ensure effective implementation of strategies and on-time completion of the development projects with minimal This team should consist of individuals with technical knowledge and seasoned project managers to address potential challenges during execution.
In addition, both nations can collaborate with the Bangladeshi government to establish public-private partnerships to expand solar energy capacity. They could invest in solar farms and rooftop solar installations across urban and rural areas to improve energy access, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support sustainable development goals.
China, with its advanced solar technology, can facilitate knowledge transfer and provide technical training for Bangladeshi engineers and technicians. This would not only build local capacity but also ensure that solar projects are implemented efficiently and effectively.
The development of solar-powered electric buses and vehicles can reduce urban pollution and enhance transportation efficiency. China, which excels in electric vehicle technology, could help Bangladesh modify its public transport system to include solar-powered options.
Most importantly, Bangladesh must collaborate with China to develop its rail sector, which is very important for Bangladesh's socio-economic development.
Malaysia’s experience with waste-to-energy plants can be pivotal for Bangladesh. Both countries should support the development of integrated waste management systems that incorporate recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies to reduce landfill use and generate renewable energy.
If these traits inform future policy-making, the knowledge garnered could prove beneficial not only for individual leaders but also for the overarching developmental goals of Bangladesh.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is a senior Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert.