In an exclusive profile published on Wednesday, TIME magazine identified Tarique Rahman, the newly appointed Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as the “clear front runner” for the upcoming national elections on February 12. “Rahman is the clear front runner in Feb. 12 elections, which were called after Hasina’s ouster in a student-led popular uprising 18 months ago,” the article said, drawing partly on an interview with Rahman. The magazine said Rahman is positioning himself as a bridge between Bangladesh’s long-established political elite rooted in the country’s liberation struggle and the aspirations of a younger, revolutionary generation. According to TIME, supporters view Rahman as a persecuted leader returning to rescue a troubled nation, while Rahman himself insists he is capable of healing a deeply divided country. “If I can implement just 30 percent of what I have planned, I’m sure the people of Bangladesh will support me,” Rahman said.