Former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, who ranked 50th in the 2026 edition, does not feature in the latest list.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Photo: Courtesy
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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Photo: Courtesy
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been named among the world’s 500 most influential Muslims, appearing in the political category of the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500, an annual publication by Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC).
The 18th edition also features two other Bangladeshis – human rights activist and researcher Hameeda Hossain and Rohingya rights defender Razia Sultana – both listed under the “Social Issues” category.
The publication highlights Tarique’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, his leadership of the BNP in the general election and the party’s two-thirds majority victory.
Hameeda Hossain, a founding member of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), is recognised for her work as a human rights activist, researcher and advocate for women’s rights. Razia Sultana, a lawyer and human rights defender, is known internationally for her work on the Rohingya crisis and the rights of refugee women and children.
Former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, who ranked 50th in the 2026 edition, does not feature in the latest list.
The publication assesses influence through political, ideological, cultural and financial reach, alongside social metrics, public opinion and expert assessments. It notes that inclusion reflects a person’s influence and does not necessarily indicate endorsement of their views.
Only the top 50 figures receive numerical rankings. The remaining 450 are listed without a fixed order across 13 categories, including politics, social issues, religion, business, science and culture.
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