Tarique Rahman Returns After 17 Years: What's at Stake for Bangladesh's Politics

Bangladesh's opposition leader Tarique Rahman has finally returned home after 17 years in exile, sparking both excitement and concern in the country's volatile politics. The 60-year-old BNP acting chairman, who has been a key figure in the party despite being abroad, was received at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday. His return was hastened by his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and comes at a critical time ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections. Rahman's homecoming is seen as a boost for the BNP, which is gaining momentum after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A recent survey by the International Republican Institute suggests that the BNP may win the largest number of parliamentary seats in the elections. However, the party's prospects are not without challenges. Rahman has been convicted in absentia on several charges, including money laundering and plotting to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. These convictions were overturned after Hasina's ouster last year. The return of Rahman, who has been the de-facto leader of the BNP despite being in London, has also raised concerns about the erosion of democratic rights in the country. Global human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have accused the interim government of undermining democratic institutions. Rahman's relationship with the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been shaky, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complex web of politics in Bangladesh. The BNP's chances of winning the elections are also linked to the popularity and public trust of its key rival, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League has lost significant support following the July uprising last year, creating an opportunity for the BNP to bridge the political gap in the country. With Rahman's return, the stage is set for a crucial election that will determine the future of Bangladesh's politics.