Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is preparing to return to his homeland after 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom. His return comes ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 12th of next year.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), announced on Friday that Rahman, 60, is expected to arrive in Dhaka on December 25th. He described the date as “very special, coinciding with the Christmas holiday, making it a wonderful day.”
Rahman has resided in London since 2008, after what he claims was fleeing political persecution under the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He is widely considered the heir apparent to the BNP, currently led by his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, 80.
Weeks prior to the announcement, Rahman posted on Facebook that his return to Bangladesh was “not entirely” within his control, sparking speculation about potential political or legal obstacles. However, the caretaker government, led by Muhammad Yunus, subsequently stated that there were “no restrictions or objections” to his return.
Rahman’s social media post followed reports that Khaleda Zia was in “extremely critical” condition in a Dhaka hospital. Doctors and senior party officials stated she was admitted to a private hospital on November 23rd after suffering from a severe chest infection that affected her heart and lungs.
Her declining health comes at a sensitive time for the BNP, which has regained political ground following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising last year. The party, which boycotted the controversial elections in 2014 and 2024, has gained momentum since August and is seen as a significant contender in the upcoming polls.
