Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the eldest son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka on Thursday, ending more than 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. His arrival comes just weeks ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Rahman drew massive crowds and a rousing welcome from party supporters, underscoring his enduring influence in the country’s fractious political environment. He returned with his wife and daughter. Upon arrival, Rahman thanked the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Muhammed Yunus for “all kinds of cooperation.”
The BNP acting chairperson’s homecoming marked a highly charged political moment, with hundreds of thousands of BNP activists and sympathisers gathering along key routes from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, waving party flags and cheering his return. The leadership of the BNP views his presence as a major boost to its electoral campaign and morale, positioning him as a leading contender for the prime ministership in the upcoming polls.
The significance of Rahman’s return extends beyond mere symbolism. After leaving Bangladesh in 2008 amid legal challenges and political pressure, his leadership was exercised from abroad. Recent developments, including the overturning of major criminal convictions and the dramatic student-led uprising in 2024 that resulted in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have dramatically reshaped the country’s political landscape and opened space for renewed opposition activity.
His arrival comes at a time of heightened volatility, as Bangladesh navigates delicate preparations for a critical democratic exercise. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has pledged to oversee a fair electoral process, but concerns persist about sporadic unrest and political tension.
