Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returns after 17 years in exile

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraDecember 25, 2025 at 07:19 AM

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Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after nearly 17 years in exile in London. Rahman, considered a prime ministerial frontrunner, fled Bangladesh in 2008 citing political persecution. Hundreds of thousands of supporters greeted him upon arrival in Dhaka, as he is expected to succeed his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as the party leader. His return comes as the BNP regains momentum following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Rahman's return is viewed as filling a leadership vacuum within the BNP ahead of February's general election.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tanvir Chowdhury 30% London 30% Sheikh Hasina 40% February Election ×250% Dhaka ×250% Khaleda Zia 60% Bangladesh ×580% Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ×680% Tarique Rahman ×690%

Keywords

tarique rahman 100% bnp 90% bangladesh politics 90% election 80% opposition leader 80% prime ministerial candidate 70% political exile 70% leadership vacuum 60% khaleda zia 50% political instability 50%

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Positive

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Al Jazeera

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tarique rahman bnp bangladesh politics election opposition leader prime ministerial candidate political exile leadership vacuum khaleda zia political instability

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