Thu Dec 25 12:48:43 UTC 2025: Summary:

Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. This event is significant because it occurs after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for February 12. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized, is seen as a potential future leader of Bangladesh. Rahman’s return could revitalize the BNP and lead them back to power after nearly two decades. However, he faces challenges related to his past reputation, integrating his supporters, and navigating the political landscape after the ban on the Awami League. Recent polls indicate that the BNP is currently leading the polls, making the party a likely candidate to win the upcoming elections.

News Article:

Exiled BNP Leader Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh, Eyes Prime Minister’s Seat

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made a dramatic return to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile. Thousands of supporters greeted him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.

Rahman’s return comes at a pivotal moment. Following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising in August 2024, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is preparing for elections on February 12. With his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, critically ill, Rahman is poised to lead the BNP, Bangladesh’s largest political party, and potentially vie for the position of prime minister.

Rahman’s past is complex. While he is seen by many as a key figure in Bangladeshi politics, he has also been accused of corruption and political violence, allegations he denies as politically motivated. However, in light of the recent ousting of Hasina, the charges and convictions against Rahman have mostly been stayed or overturned, facilitating his return to Dhaka.

Addressing supporters, Rahman called for an inclusive Bangladesh and emphasized unity. Analysts believe the BNP may now be trying to claim the political space vacated by the ban on the Awami League, and have taken on secular, liberal, centrist positions.

Recent polls suggest the BNP is the frontrunner in the upcoming elections. However, Rahman faces the challenge of integrating his loyal supporters with the broader party and overcoming lingering questions about his past.

His return marks a significant turning point in Bangladeshi politics, with the potential to reshape the country’s leadership and direction in the years to come. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of his ability to lead the BNP back to power.

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