Mon Dec 29 11:17:13 UTC 2025: ## Tarique Rahman Returns, Enters Election Race After 17 Years in Exile
Dhaka – Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, officially entered the race for the upcoming February 12th national elections, submitting his nomination papers today, December 29, 2025.
Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh on December 25th after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, will contest for the Dhaka-17 constituency. The nomination papers were filed at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office by BNP chairperson’s advisor Abdus Salam, accompanied by Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donar.
This follows the Election Commission’s approval of Rahman’s inclusion in the voter list just days prior. On Saturday, December 27th, Rahman and his daughter, Zamia, completed the necessary biometric registration and NID card issuance procedures. His return and political activity come as his mother, Khaleda Zia, remains in “extremely critical” condition at a Dhaka hospital.
“City residents warmly welcomed Mr. Rahman after 17 years in exile,” stated Abdus Salam during a briefing. “We expect the people of Dhaka-17 to spontaneously cast their votes for him in the February 12 election.”
Rahman’s return and participation in the election mark a significant moment in Bangladeshi politics. He left the country in 2008 after being released as a political prisoner and was previously excluded from the voter list due to his absence. Today was the final day for submitting nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
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