Tarique Rahman Returns to Dhaka as BNP Launches 2026 Election Campaign

Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka on December 25, 2026. He is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. His return will start the BNP campaign for the February 12 general election. He has lived in exile in the United Kingdom for almost 18 years. The main keyword is “Tarique Rahman.”

BNP leaders expect a large crowd. They say he will meet supporters and visit his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. She is still in a hospital in Dhaka. According to Reuters and other major outlets, the interim government will keep the Dhaka elevated expressway toll free during the day to manage traffic.

Tarique Rahman Return Marks Major Shift in Bangladesh Politics

BNP sources say recent violence in Bangladesh did not change Rahman’s plan. Supporters from many districts plan to gather at the airport. He is set to land on a Biman Bangladesh flight around midday. Officials say security in Dhaka will be tight. Police reported a bomb blast in Mogbazar on December 24 that killed one person.

Rahman left Bangladesh in 2007 during the interim rule. He was arrested and later flown to the UK for medical treatment. Many expected him to return soon after Sheikh Hasina’s fall on August 5, 2024. But he waited 15 months. This created debate and doubt in political circles. Rahman announced his return at an event in London on December 16.

BNP has prepared for his homecoming. The party arranged a residence in Dhaka and added new bulletproof cars for his travel. Senior BNP leaders like Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Amir Khasru Mahmud Choudhury have led rallies in his absence. The party calls this return its biggest event of the year.

What Rahman’s Political Comeback Means for Bangladesh

Rahman has spoken only on social media, not to the press. In a post on X on December 10, he said BNP faced human rights abuse under Sheikh Hasina. He said the party holds “no bitterness” and wants unity. He said Bangladesh needs space for different views and safe political activity.

BNP also responded to recent violence in the country. The party mourned the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, who died in Singapore after being shot. BNP leaders condemned attacks on media offices, the lynching of a Hindu citizen in Mymensingh, and the mob assault on Chhayanaut. They said the party rejects all violence.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Tarique Rahman returning now?

He is returning to lead the BNP campaign for the February 12 election. He also plans to see his mother, Khaleda Zia. The date was set after long delay and rising party pressure.

Q2: How long was Tarique Rahman in exile?

He lived in the United Kingdom for nearly 18 years. He left Bangladesh in 2007 for medical treatment. He has not returned since then.

Q3: What security steps are planned in Dhaka?

Police expect large crowds. The elevated expressway will be toll free to ease movement. A recent bomb blast has already raised concerns.

Q4: What did BNP say about recent violence?

BNP condemned all attacks in the past two weeks. The party held an emergency meeting on December 19. Leaders called for peace and protection of public institutions.

Q5: Will Tarique Rahman speak to the media?

He has not confirmed a press briefing. So far he has only posted on social media. He may address supporters after arrival.

 

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News, AFP