Tarique Rahman Returns: Bangladesh's Exiled 'Crown Prince' to Shake Up Politics Ahead of Elections
Tarique Rahman had emerged as a powerful figure within the BNP in the early 2000s, widely seen as his mother’s political heir. | World News
After nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to return to Dhaka on December 25, just days before the country gears up for national elections in February 2026.
Rahman, the eldest son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics. His return comes at a time of heightened tension, marked by violence, arrests, and debates over the direction of the interim government.
Rahman's rise to prominence within the BNP began in the early 2000s, with many viewing him as his mother's heir apparent. However, his career was derailed by a tumultuous period in Bangladeshi politics. He spent 18 months in jail before being released in 2008 and subsequently left for the UK with his family.
Despite his absence, Rahman continued to influence party strategy from London, retaining a central role within the BNP. His supporters credit him with keeping the party intact during years of repression, while critics accuse him of perpetuating dynastic politics.
Rahman's return coincides with a volatile law-and-order situation in Bangladesh. The country has witnessed attacks on media houses and cultural organizations following the killing of protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Authorities have identified at least 31 suspects and made several arrests, prompting high-level security meetings to review the situation.
The BNP is widely seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming election, with Rahman's physical presence expected to energize the party's campaign. However, the party's relationship with the interim government has been complicated, with party leaders arguing that the government was pressured into announcing elections.
Rahman has positioned himself as a champion of democracy and a return to elected rule, telling party workers that "only democracy can save us." His recent interventions have also focused on foreign policy, questioning the interim government's mandate to make long-term diplomatic decisions and advocating for a "Bangladesh First" approach.
This stance contrasts with the interim government's outreach to Pakistan and departs from the strategy of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who emphasized close ties with India while balancing relations with China. As Rahman returns to Bangladesh, the country's politics is likely to become even more complex and unpredictable.
