After a 17-year exile, Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to return to Bangladesh today. His arrival from London comes at a critical juncture as the BNP pushes for upcoming general elections. Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, left the country for medical treatment in 2007 following his arrest and has been based in London since.
Security agencies have been directed by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to enhance safety measures in anticipation of Rahman’s homecoming. Concurrently, the BNP is orchestrating a large-scale public gathering, aiming to mobilize millions of supporters to welcome their leader. Rahman is slated to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55 am local time, accompanied by his wife and daughter. He is expected to attend a reception event before visiting his mother, whose health is reportedly critical.
Tarique Rahman is considered a significant contender for the prime ministership from the BNP in the forthcoming February elections. The party has indicated that if they form the next government, Khaleda Zia might return to power if her health permits; otherwise, Rahman would be nominated to lead. This homecoming occurs amidst ongoing political turmoil, including a recent violent incident in Dhaka that resulted in the death of a BNP youth leader and sparked wider unrest across the nation.
