Tarique Rahman named among world’s 500 most influential Muslims

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been named among the world's 500 most influential Muslim personalities in the 2027 edition of an annual publication, marking his first inclusion in the list.

Published by Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), the 18th edition of The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims features Rahman in the Political category.

According to the publication, Rahman is serving as Bangladesh's prime minister and chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

The publication notes that Rahman led the BNP during his 17 years in exile in London before returning to Bangladesh in December 2025. He subsequently led the party to a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the February 2026 general election and was sworn in as prime minister on February 17.

Two other Bangladeshi women have also been included in the 2027 edition: historian and human rights activist Dr Hameeda Hossain and Rohingya lawyer and human rights defender Razia Sultana.

Hossain is recognised for her contributions to women's rights, human rights advocacy and research on the garment industry. She co-founded the political magazine Forum in 1969 and was a founding member and former chairperson of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

Razia Sultana, born in Myanmar and raised in Bangladesh, has dedicated her work to advocating for the rights of the Rohingya community, particularly women and survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking.

The publication also features two British-Bangladeshi personalities: author and historian Tharik Hussain and television presenter and baker Nadiya Hussain.

Tharik Hussain is recognised for his work documenting the Muslim heritage of Europe, particularly through his book Minarets in the Mountains: A Journey into Muslim Europe. Nadiya Hussain, who won the BBC's The Great British Bake Off in 2015, is recognised for her work as a baker, author and television presenter.