Tarique Rahman: Bangladesh’s “Crown Prince” Returns After 17 Years
Tarique Rahman, the so-called “Crown Prince” of Bangladeshi politics, is not the usual political heir. Being the firstborn of the late President Ziaur Rahman and the former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, it was always there in his blood, politics. He was still young when he first joined the BNP, but he was already someone who would control the game and even be the rising star during his mother’s government in the early 2000s. His supporters and adversaries alike constantly have discussions about him and his name, Tarique.
The question on everybody’s lips with his coming back after almost 17 years of living in exile is the one that has been asked: can he, the Crown Prince, change the course of the political future in Bangladesh?
Tarique Rahman’s Years In Exile
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Departure from Bangladesh: Left the country in 2008 after spending 18 months in jail amid political turmoil.
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Life Abroad: Settled in the United Kingdom, living in self-imposed exile for nearly 17 years.
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Political Activity: Remained actively involved in BNP strategy from abroad, emerging as the party’s chief political architect.
The Return Of Tarique Rahman: Timing And Political Significance
Tarique Rahman’s return to Dhaka on December 25 looks almost like a scene straight out of a political thriller. After nearly 17 years in exile, his homecoming is perfectly timed, arriving just months before the February 2026 national elections, when Bangladesh is burning with political unrest and tension.
The nation, fraught with instability and rising conflicts, seems on the brink, yet Rahman’s arrival is staged with cinematic precision, as if the “hero” is entering exactly when the country needs him most. Opposition leaders and citizens alike are watching closely, his return could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape in dramatic fashion.
Why And How Tarique Rahman’s Return Could Change The Political Game
Tarique Rahman’s idea of coming back to Bangladesh is not only a return to his roots but also a political event. BNP has already positioned itself as the main player and the campaign process that is slowly gaining speed. Thus, his arrival could even change the country’s political landscape prior to the February 2026 elections, which are already dubbed one of the most critical in recent times.
The party will be given permission to organize a civic reception where the BNP intends to base its strategy for further energizing the supporters, reinforcing the networks, and gaining authority as the main power. With Awami League out of the scene, the stakes are extremely high.
For the audience, it would be impossible not to keep an eye on the situation: will the Crown Prince change the fortunes, or is Bangladesh about to experience one more political twist that is hard to predict? In any case, the comeback of Tarique is going to be characterized by drama, strategy, and the political momentum that makes history and keeps everyone discussing it.

