Dhaka: Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returned to the country on Wednesday after nearly 17 years in exile, entering a political scene transformed by unrest and an approaching national election. His return is being viewed by supporters as a major boost for the opposition ahead of polls expected in February.
Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, arrived in Dhaka to a huge welcome from party workers and supporters who lined roads near the airport and across parts of the capital. Many described the moment as historic and hopeful for the future of opposition politics in the country.
He left Bangladesh in 2008 and had been living in London while facing several criminal cases at home. Those convictions were overturned following last year’s political changes, clearing the way for his return and renewed political role.
Rahman is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who has remained largely out of public life in recent years due to ill health. With her limited presence, the party has increasingly rallied around Rahman as its main leader and a leading contender for the top post.
His return comes at a delicate time for the country. Bangladesh is currently under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formed after the previous government was removed amid widespread protests. Authorities have called for calm as election preparations move forward in a tense atmosphere.
Speaking briefly after his arrival, Rahman urged unity, discipline, and respect for law and order. He appealed to people from all communities to work together to restore democratic values and ensure peaceful elections.
Political observers say Rahman’s return is likely to energise the opposition campaign and significantly influence the election narrative. At the same time, they caution that heightened emotions and large public gatherings could pose challenges in the weeks ahead.
As Bangladesh moves closer to the February vote, Rahman’s homecoming has added both momentum and uncertainty to an already charged political season, with citizens closely watching how this moment will shape the country’s future.