Tarique Rahman, who is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has finally returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025. Rahman was in a self-imposed exile for 17 years in UK and reached Sylhet airport in Dhaka. He left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment amid mounting legal and political pressure.
Khaleda Zia is seriously unwell and has been unable to campaign for her party and Tarique’s return ahead of the scheduled February 12, 2026, elections is seen as a significant political move, as he is thought to be BNP’s main electoral face, his presence is expected to uplift the hopes of the opposition’s standing in a highly competitive political environment.
According to reports, Rahman said that,” For some reasonable reasons my return has not happened… but the time has come, and I will return soon… I am running in the election [as well].”
BNP leaders have said that Rahman is scheduled to complete the formalities that will make him a registered voter on December 27 and allow him to make an impact in the upcoming election. He is regarded as the potential prime ministerial candidate if the BNP wins a majority of seats.
Tarique Rahman addresses people
Rahman addressed thousands of people gathered at Dhaka’s 300 Feet area, according to reports, he referenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech “i have a dream” and declared that. “I have a plan.”
He opened his speech with “Beloved Bangladesh”, thanked his supporters that had gathered in huge numbers and proceeded to say that,” If you support us, I have a plan that will be a success for this country.” Furthermore, he spoke on the communal brotherhood and stressed for the need of inclusivity, ” This is a land of hills and plains, home to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike. We want to build a safe Bangladesh—a country where any woman, man, or child can leave their home safely and return safely.”
He also met Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government and asked the youth to play a decisive role in the development of nation’s stability. He also demanded that Osman Hadi’s killers be brought to justice and claimed an “an Indian hand” in the killing.
Next PM?
Bangladesh has seen a drastic change in its political order, with the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ousted and her party Awami League barred from elections by the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, traditional political factions have fractured as the BNP is going away from Jamaat Islami and betting on Tarique Rahman to lead the party for a big victory.
Khalida Zia is 80 and battling severe health issues, which has brought Rahman forward as the big face. Tarique’s decision to contest the election is a sign to consolidate the party amid the political turmoil and reclaim his political legacy, his aim would be to show BNP as the main governing political party moving forward in Bangladesh.
