Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returns after 17 years in exile

The acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is considered a top prime ministerial candidate for February’s election.Published On 25 Dec 2025The heir to Bangladesh’s longtime ruling family and leader of the country’s powerful opposition, Tarique Rahman, has returned to the country after nearly 17 years in exile, his party said.Rahman, 60, an aspiring prime minister who has lived in London since he fled Bangladesh in 2008 over what he called politically motivated persecution, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Bangladesh opposition leader set for historic homecominglist 2 of 3Protests escalate in Bangladesh after death of student leader Hadilist 3 of 3How volatile is the political situation in Bangladesh?end of listActing chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he is expected to take the reins from his ailing mother, 80-year-old former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.Hundreds of thousands of supporters lined ​the route from the capital’s airport to the reception venue, waving party ‍flags and carrying placards, banners and flowers, while chanting slogans welcoming Rahman, as senior BNP leaders received him at the airport under tight security.Dressed in a light grey, finely chequered blazer over a crisp white shirt, Rahman waved to the crowd with a smile.The BNP earlier said it aims to gather up to five million supporters in the capital to welcome Rahman, for what it called an “unprecedented” mobilisation.Rahman is widely viewed as the prime ministerial frontrunner in February’s general election.His arrival comes as the BNP regains momentum – after the 2024 ouster of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina.Rahman’s return is at a moment “when Bangladesh is going through a very volatile and uncertain future”, said Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Dhaka.“Although the election date has been announced, there’s a vacuum for leadership and power, particularly within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party – which is one of the largest parties in Bangladesh – and his mother [who has] been critically ill, is the chairperson of the party. He’s going to fill up that vacuum,” he added.