Tarique Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh’s opposition politics, returned to the country on Tuesday after spending 17 years in exile, a move that could reshape the nation’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), arrived in Dhaka from London, where he had lived since leaving Bangladesh in 2008 amid a military-backed caretaker government and a series of corruption cases. His return follows months of political negotiations, court decisions, and easing of legal restrictions that had kept him abroad.
Supporters gathered in large numbers along major routes leading from the airport, waving party flags and chanting slogans as Rahman’s convoy passed. The BNP described the homecoming as a “historic moment,” framing it as the return of a leader who had been sidelined during years of political repression.
Rahman is the elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and is widely seen as the party’s central strategist. Despite his absence, he has remained influential, directing party affairs remotely and shaping opposition campaigns against the ruling Awami League government.
The government has previously accused Rahman of involvement in corruption and violence, charges the BNP says were politically motivated. In recent years, some convictions were suspended or overturned, clearing the way for his return. Authorities said adequate security arrangements were in place, though they urged supporters to maintain order.
Political analysts say Rahman’s physical presence in Bangladesh could energize the opposition and intensify political competition, particularly as the country prepares for national elections. His return also raises questions about how the ruling party will respond and whether it could lead to renewed dialogue or deeper polarization.
For now, Rahman’s homecoming marks the end of a long exile and the beginning of a new phase in Bangladesh’s volatile politics, with both allies and rivals closely watching his next moves.
