Exiled Bangladeshi leader faces test to “prove his legitimacy”

Tarique Rahman, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to Bangladesh after a period of exile. His return is described as potentially significant for Bangladesh's democratic transition. An Oxford University expert suggests Rahman now faces a test to demonstrate that his leadership will differ from that of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left office in disgrace. Rahman's actions will be closely watched to see if he can avoid repeating past mistakes. His return and subsequent actions are expected to have a major impact on the political landscape of Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to Bangladesh on Thursday, December 25, 2025, after 17 years in self-imposed exile in Britain. His return comes amid heightened political tension and violence in Bangladesh, following the assassination of a youth leader and ahead of national elections scheduled for February 2026. Rahman's arrival was met with a large rally of supporters in Dhaka, where he spoke of peace and unity. Analysts suggest his return could stabilize the country's political climate and reinforce the likelihood of the election proceeding as planned. The BNP is considered a frontrunner in the upcoming polls, with Rahman potentially vying for the prime ministership.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, over one million supporters welcomed opposition leader Tarique Rahman home on December 25, 2025. Rahman's return marks the end of a 17-year exile, following the ousting of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina the previous year. The large gathering highlights the significance of Rahman's return to Bangladeshi politics. Al Jazeera's Tanvir Chowdhury reported on the event and its potential implications. Rahman's return is a notable event in Bangladesh's political landscape.

Tarique Rahman, a leader of Bangladesh's opposition party, returned to the country on December 25, 2025, after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Rahman, who aspires to be prime minister, had left Bangladesh in 2008, alleging political persecution. His return comes ahead of upcoming elections. Rahman's return is a significant event in Bangladesh's political landscape.

Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile in London. His return precedes upcoming general elections where the BNP hopes to regain power. Rahman is expected to become the country's leader if his party wins the election. The elections are considered consequential, particularly following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Hasina, currently in exile in India, was recently sentenced to death in absentia for suppressing anti-government protests, charges she denies, and her party is unlikely to participate in the elections.

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.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday after 17 years in exile. The BNP is planning a large rally in Dhaka, aiming to mobilize up to five million supporters to welcome Rahman, who is considered a prime ministerial frontrunner. Rahman's return follows the removal of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League from power after a student-led uprising. With the Awami League barred from the upcoming February 12 elections, the BNP is positioned to potentially dominate the race. Rahman had been living in London since 2008 due to criminal convictions, but was acquitted after Hasina's removal, clearing the way for his return.