Dhaka, El Sky News — Tarique Rahman, a senior opposition leader and Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), officially returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after 17 years in exile in London, marking a major political moment ahead of the country’s general election scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Rahman arrived in Bangladesh accompanied by his wife and daughter, first landing at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet before continuing to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. His return was met with massive crowds of BNP supporters and party leaders who gathered to welcome him home.
Symbolic Homecoming Draws Nationwide Attention
Upon arrival, Rahman performed a symbolic gesture that quickly spread across national media: he removed his shoes, stepped barefoot onto Bangladeshi soil, and lifted a handful of earth, expressing his emotional connection to the homeland after nearly two decades away.
Thousands of supporters lined the roads leading toward Purbachal, where a large reception event was held under tight security. The scale of the gathering highlighted Rahman’s continued influence and his growing stature as a leading contender for the prime ministership, should BNP secure a parliamentary majority.
Call for Unity and Inclusive Politics
Addressing supporters briefly, Rahman emphasized national unity and peaceful coexistence, calling on citizens from all religious and ethnic backgrounds including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians to work together toward a democratic, stable, and economically resilient Bangladesh.
His remarks were widely interpreted as an effort to project a unifying image amid years of deep political polarization.
Political Background and Exile
Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, one of the most influential political figures in Bangladesh’s modern history. He has served as BNP’s Acting Chairman since 2018, following his mother’s declining health and legal challenges.
Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 and was later convicted in absentia in several corruption-related cases during the administration of political rival Sheikh Hasina. Many of those convictions were overturned following recent political changes, clearing the way for his return.
Election Context and Political Implications
Rahman’s return comes under an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which is overseeing preparations for the upcoming election. The political landscape remains tense, particularly after the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, was barred from participating in the election raising concerns among international observers about democratic legitimacy and post-election stability.
Political analysts say Rahman’s presence could significantly reshape voter mobilization, strengthen BNP’s campaign machinery, and energize grassroots supporters nationwide.
Upcoming Schedule
Following his return, Rahman is expected to visit Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to see his mother, who remains under medical care. He is also scheduled to complete administrative requirements, including voter registration, ahead of the formal campaign period.
Observers view Rahman’s homecoming as one of the most consequential political developments in Bangladesh in recent years, with far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic future.
(Lunar)
