In a dramatic and emotional homecoming, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman set foot on his native soil on Thursday, 25 December, concluding over 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. The 60-year-old leader, son of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, was received by a massive crowd and senior party leaders at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport amid heightened security.
A Historic Return and a Vision for the Future
Stepping barefoot from his aircraft, Tarique Rahman symbolically picked up a handful of Bangladeshi earth, marking his long-awaited return. He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida, and daughter, Zaima. Later, addressing a huge public gathering in the capital, Rahman invoked the spirit of American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., declaring, "I have a dream." He quickly added, "Like him, I want to say, I have a plan for Bangladesh."
In his speech, Rahman paid homage to the country's history, asserting that Bangladesh had been "liberated twice" – first during the 1971 Liberation War and again through the July 2024 student uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His return significantly alters Bangladesh's political landscape, positioning him as a leading contender for the prime minister's post ahead of the national polls scheduled for 12 February 2026.
Political Context and Tribute to a Fallen Leader
Rahman's homecoming occurs amidst a fresh wave of protests and political instability, triggered by the killing of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, a BNP figure, played a key role in the movement against Sheikh Hasina and recently succumbed to gunshot injuries.
During his address, Rahman remembered Osman Hadi, stating that the leader had dreamt of a democratic Bangladesh. "He gave his life believing in democracy," Rahman said, vowing that the BNP would strive to realise that vision and remain committed to restoring democratic norms and institutions. The incident has had diplomatic repercussions, with India calling for a thorough probe into Hadi's death after unsubstantiated allegations about Indian involvement sparked anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
From Exile to Prime Ministerial Contender
Tarique Rahman's political journey has been fraught with controversy. He left Bangladesh for London in 2008, during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, citing political persecution. For 17 years, he lived in the UK as a fugitive, facing multiple criminal convictions and a slew of graft charges in Bangladeshi courts.
His return marks a pivotal moment for the BNP, which now faces stiff competition from the Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, in the upcoming elections. As the acting chairman, Rahman's direct presence on the ground is expected to galvanise the party's base and reshape campaign strategies. The event underscores the ongoing volatility in Bangladeshi politics and sets the stage for a highly contested electoral battle in 2026.
