80pc netizens respond positively to Tarique's BBC interview: study

The recent BBC Bangla interview of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked widespread discussion across Bangladesh, drawing largely positive reactions from netizens.

According to a study by the Strategy and Policy Forum, 80.32% of respondents viewed the interview positively, while 8.23% expressed negative opinions and 11.45% remained neutral.

The research found that following the interview’s release, online engagement—including discussions, comments, and search interest—rose significantly. Keywords such as “Bangladesh,” “Tarique Rahman,” “Leader of the People,” and “Future of the Nation” were among the most frequently used on social media platforms.

A media impact analysis revealed that a total of 198 news reports and 493 video reports were published on the interview. Reactions and analyses spread widely across YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and online news portals.

The report further noted that Google searches related to “Tarique Rahman” surged immediately after the broadcast, peaking on 6 October.

Commenting on the findings, Engineer Asif Hossain Rochi, Director (Administration) of the Strategy and Policy Forum, said, “Tarique Rahman’s interview has inspired new political confidence among the public. The data shows that people are not only interested but also see a vision for future politics in his words.”

Meanwhile, the forum’s Director (Public Relations), Mahbub Nahid, described the BBC interview as “a reflection of a prudent, composed, and visionary leader’s statecraft.”

“The overwhelmingly positive response from netizens proves that the people of Bangladesh still seek hopeful politics and trustworthy leadership,” he added.