“I Have a Plan”: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Political Messaging in Tarique Rahman’s London Farewell Speech

Abstract

This study conducts a Critical Discourse Analysis of Tarique Rahman’s London farewell speech, examining how political messaging, leadership construction, and ideological positioning are conveyed from exile. Using Fairclough’s three-dimensional model, the research analyzes linguistic choices, pronoun usage, modality, and rhetorical strategies to reveal how Rahman frames his political identity, promotes people-centered policies, and mobilizes support among the Bangladeshi public and diaspora. The speech emphasizes long-term planning, social welfare, and nationalistic vision, while deliberately avoiding confrontational rhetoric. Findings demonstrate that political discourse disseminated through digital media can extend influence beyond physical boundaries, legitimize authority, and shape public perception. This study underscores the effectiveness of Critical Discourse Analysis in uncovering power dynamics and ideological functions in contemporary Bangladeshi politics.