Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17-Year Exile, Shakes Up Election Race

Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh. The acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) landed on Thursday, December 25. He ended a 17-year exile by heading directly to address a massive public rally. His comeback marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s politics.

His return comes ahead of a critical parliamentary election. The country is currently governed by an interim administration. Public expectations are high and political challenges are mounting.

A Homecoming That Alters the Political Landscape

Rahman is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He is considered the heir to one of Bangladesh’s most powerful political dynasties. His return follows the ouster of his party’s main rival.

Sheikh Hasina‘s Awami League government fell in August 2024. The country is now led by an interim cabinet under Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to Reuters, a recent survey suggests the BNP is poised to win the largest number of seats in the upcoming February election.

The BNP prepared extensively for his arrival. A massive stage was erected on a 300-foot area outside the capital. The party aimed to gather millions of supporters for the rally. This show of strength positions Rahman as a leading contender for prime minister.

Security Tightens Amidst Election Tensions

Authorities deployed a “double-layer” security cordon across Dhaka. This combined state and party measures ahead of Rahman’s arrival. The heightened security follows a violent incident the day before.

A person was killed in a crude bomb explosion in Dhaka on Wednesday. Police told local media the bomb was hurled from a flyover. An investigation into the attack is now underway.

The election period remains tense. Hasina’s Awami League party has been barred from the contest. The party has threatened unrest, raising concerns about the vote’s stability. The interim government has instructed maximum vigilance from law enforcement.

Tarique Rahman’s dramatic return reshapes Bangladesh’s political future. His presence energizes the BNP’s campaign for the February election. The nation now watches to see if this homecoming translates into a return to power.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who is Tarique Rahman?

Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a central figure in the country’s opposition politics.

Why was Tarique Rahman in exile?

Rahman left for London in 2008, citing political persecution. He faced multiple graft charges at the time and had been living abroad under what he described as a self-imposed exile for 17 years.

What is the current political situation in Bangladesh?

An interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus is governing the country. This followed the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. A national election is scheduled for February.

How does his return affect the upcoming election?

His return significantly boosts the BNP’s campaign. According to a survey cited by Reuters, the BNP is currently on course to win the largest share of parliamentary seats in the February vote.

What security measures were taken for his arrival?

Authorities implemented a “double-layer” security cordon across Dhaka. This comes after a fatal bomb blast occurred in the capital the day before his return, prompting maximum alert.