Prospect for Premier Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years in Exile

Tarique Rahman lands in Bangladesh to lead election campaign

After seventeen years of political exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman has stepped back onto Bangladeshi soil to coordinate his party’s election drive. The son of former president Ziaur Rahman and brother of ex‑prime minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique has been the strategic mind behind the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from abroad since his departure in 2008.

His arrival in Dhaka was met with a mixture of enthusiasm from BNP supporters and cautious scrutiny from the ruling Awami League. Party officials announced that Rahman will travel to key constituencies, hold public rallies, and meet with local leaders to rejuvenate the BNP’s grassroots network ahead of the slated national elections.

“The people have been waiting for a leader who can articulate their aspirations and challenge the current administration,” said Mahbubur Rahman, BNP’s senior spokesperson, during a press conference at the party headquarters. “Tarique’s return signals a new chapter for the party and for Bangladesh’s democratic process.”

Opposition figures praised the development, calling it a “welcome boost” for political competition. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has reminded all candidates to adhere to the nation’s electoral code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of peaceful campaigning.

International observers have noted that Rahman’s return could reshape the electoral landscape, potentially intensifying the contest between the BNP and the incumbent Awami League. Analysts suggest that his experience in international politics and fundraising may provide the BNP with fresh resources and strategic insight.

As the campaign season ramps up, Bangladesh’s citizens are watching closely to see whether the former exile can translate his overseas experience into tangible support on the ground. The upcoming months will determine if Tarique Rahman’s homecoming marks a turning point for the BNP and the broader democratic trajectory of the country.