Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, is returning to Dhaka on Thursday. Rahman is returning to Bangladesh after 17 years. The party has planned to welcome him along with 50 lakh supporters. It is being seen as a show of strength ahead of the national election scheduled for February 2026. Tarique Rahman is now emerging as a strong contender for the post of Prime Minister.
BNP in strong position
Tarique Rahman, 60, is the working president of the BNP. It is believed that the BNP will return to power after the elections. He is returning from London at a time when the BNP is in a strong position.
BNP eyes return
Sheikh Hasina was unseated from power after a student movement took place last year. Hasina had retained power for a long time, and her party, the Awami League, has been banned, which could pave the way for the BNP to return to power.
Sheikh Hasina’s party and Khaleda Zia’s party, except during interim governments, have ruled the country for most of the time since 1991.
Family factors behind Rahman’s Bangladesh return
Rahman’s return to Bangladesh is not only a political decision but is also linked to personal circumstances. Rahman’s mother, Khaleda Zia, is not well, and this is the main reason he is returning to the nation.
BNP leaders have said they are preparing to welcome Rahman, and it is expected that over 50 lakh party workers will gather to welcome him. Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “This will be a decisive political moment.”
Legal hurdles end for Tarique Rahman
Tarique Rahman has been living in London since 2008. He had been facing cases of money laundering in Bangladesh, and one case was also related to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. However, after Hasina was removed from power, he has been acquitted of all charges, so there is no obstacle to his return.
