Thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Dhaka on Thursday as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to the country after more than 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. His homecoming marks a significant political moment ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections scheduled for February.
Rahman, 60, landed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman. According to local media reports, the family was also accompanied by their pet cat, Zeebu, and two close aides. The return capped years of political absence for Rahman, who is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and is widely seen as a central figure in the BNP’s electoral strategy.
Tight Security, Massive Show of Support
Following his arrival, Rahman was received by senior BNP leaders and members of the party’s standing committee at the airport. He was escorted in one of two specially imported bulletproof vehicles amid heightened security arrangements. Police deployed additional forces across key routes in the capital, as supporters lined both sides of the road from the airport to Purbachal’s “300 Feet” area, where a large public reception was organised.
BNP leaders said the scale of the turnout reflected strong grassroots support, with party estimates claiming that millions of supporters were expected to attend the reception event. While senior party figures shared the stage, Rahman was the sole speaker scheduled to address the gathering, underscoring his central role in the party’s future leadership.
Political Comeback at a Critical Juncture
Rahman’s return comes at a time when Bangladesh’s political landscape remains volatile. The BNP has gained momentum following the removal of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year in a student-led uprising. With Hasina’s Awami League barred from contesting the upcoming elections, the BNP has emerged as the leading contender to form the next government.
A recent survey conducted by the US-based International Republican Institute indicated that the BNP is likely to secure the largest number of parliamentary seats, though Islamist parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami are also expected to perform strongly. Meanwhile, Awami League leaders have warned of unrest, raising concerns about the stability of the election process.
Against this backdrop, Rahman’s return is widely viewed as both symbolic and strategic, positioning him as a possible prime ministerial candidate should the BNP secure victory.
Personal Reasons Behind the Homecoming
In addition to political considerations, personal circumstances played a key role in Rahman’s decision to return. His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been hospitalised at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for over a month and is reportedly undergoing treatment for serious health issues.
After addressing supporters at the public reception, Rahman is scheduled to visit the hospital to meet his ailing mother. The family will later travel to Firoza, the Zia family residence in Gulshan-2, according to party sources.
Heightened Tensions in the Capital
Authorities have tightened security across Dhaka in light of recent violence, including the assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, which has heightened political tensions in the country. Law enforcement agencies said they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure Rahman’s movement remains incident-free.
Police officials confirmed that additional checkpoints, traffic diversions, and surveillance measures were put in place throughout the city, particularly along the routes used by Rahman’s convoy.
A Defining Moment for BNP
Rahman’s return marks his first presence in Bangladesh since leaving the country during a period of political turmoil more than a decade ago. Over the years, he has continued to lead the BNP from abroad as acting chairman, shaping party policy and strategy from exile.
Political analysts say his physical return could energise the BNP’s campaign and consolidate its leadership ahead of the polls. However, they caution that the coming weeks will test whether public enthusiasm can translate into electoral success amid ongoing uncertainty and security challenges.
As Bangladesh moves closer to a crucial election, Tarique Rahman’s re-emergence on home soil is expected to remain a focal point of national politics, carrying implications not just for the BNP but for the country’s broader democratic trajectory.
