Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after 17 years of self-imposed exile. His return marks a significant moment in Bangladesh's political landscape as the country prepares for national elections scheduled for February 12. Rahman is widely seen as a potential prime minister if the BNP wins a majority in the upcoming elections.
Rahman's arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka was met with a rousing welcome by thousands of BNP supporters who had gathered since early morning, waving flags, banners, and posters. Accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, he was greeted by senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Upon his return, Rahman expressed his commitment to delivering safety and justice to the people of Bangladesh. He emphasized the need to build a country together, encompassing people from all backgrounds and religions. He also invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr., stating, "I have a dream," signaling his aspirations for the nation. Rahman touched the soil of his motherland as a mark of reverence. His immediate priorities included visiting his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment in intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka, and addressing BNP supporters.
Tarique Rahman was born on November 20, 1967, in Karachi, Pakistan, and is the son of Ziaur Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh's liberation war. He began his political career with the BNP in the 1990s and rose to prominence during his mother's premiership in the early 2000s. He served as the Senior Joint Secretary General and later as the Senior Vice Chairman of the party. After the Awami League's victory in the 2008 elections, Rahman went into exile in London, claiming political persecution. During his time in exile, he was convicted on charges of money laundering, fraud, and political violence, including a grenade attack on a rally in 2004 that killed at least 20 people.
However, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, following student-led protests, the charges and convictions against Rahman were mostly stayed or overturned, paving the way for his return. The current political context in Bangladesh stems from the student protests of July-August 2024, which led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The interim government has announced elections for February 12, after which it will peacefully transfer power to an elected government.
Rahman's return comes at a crucial time, with Bangladesh facing political transition and regional challenges. The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has sparked unrest and raised concerns about political violence. The UN has urged calm and called for accountability in Hadi's death. The interim government is also grappling with a deteriorating law-and-order situation and the influence of militant groups.
Despite the challenges, Rahman's return has injected new energy into the BNP and is seen as a defining moment for the party. He is expected to play a key role in the upcoming elections, with the BNP seen as a frontrunner. However, he also faces scrutiny regarding his past, including allegations of corruption and abuse of power during his mother's premiership. Some observers express concern about the rise of fundamentalist forces and the risks to Bangladesh's future. As Bangladesh approaches the elections, Tarique Rahman's return has added a new dimension to the political landscape, offering both hope and uncertainty for the nation's future.
