From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!
|
This article is waiting for review! This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (someone not substantially involved in writing the article). There are currently 2 articles in the review queue. If the article is accepted, it will be published; If declined, feedback will be posted on the talk page. You may continue improving the article while it awaits review. While waiting, how you can help: Self-check your article: Help others get published: Instructions for Reviewers: Only qualified reviewers may perform reviews and publish articles. To request reviewer rights, apply here. Review checklist: |
|
This article is waiting for review! This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (someone not substantially involved in writing the article). There are currently 2 articles in the review queue. If the article is accepted, it will be published; If declined, feedback will be posted on the talk page. You may continue improving the article while it awaits review. While waiting, how you can help: Self-check your article: Help others get published: Instructions for Reviewers: Only qualified reviewers may perform reviews and publish articles. To request reviewer rights, apply here. Review checklist: |
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. His arrival marks a significant development in the country’s political landscape following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Tarique Rahman, aged 60, left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being arrested in 2007 on charges including corruption, money laundering, and involvement in a 2004 grenade attack on a political rally. He was convicted in absentia during Hasina’s tenure, but these convictions were overturned or stayed after her government’s fall. Rahman has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
His return comes amid preparations for general elections scheduled for early 2026, under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The elections follow a student-led uprising in 2024 that resulted in Hasina’s removal and her subsequent flight to India. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to a job quota system, escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations, leading to an estimated 1,400 deaths according to United Nations figures. Hasina has since been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the crackdown.
Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Rahman was greeted by thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters amid tight security. Accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, he addressed a rally, emphasizing national unity, inclusivity across religious lines, and the vision of a democratic and economically strong Bangladesh. He drew parallels to the country’s 1971 war of independence.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which has faced repression under Hasina’s rule, is positioned as a frontrunner in the upcoming polls, with surveys indicating around 30% support. The party has recently distanced itself from allies like Jamaat-e-Islami to adopt a more centrist approach. However, challenges remain, including integrating party factions, maintaining law and order, and addressing potential unrest from Awami League supporters. The Awami League has been barred from participating in the elections.
Rahman’s mother, Khaleda Zia, remains in critical condition in hospital, having been hospitalized since November 2025. Analysts suggest Rahman’s return could bolster the Bangladesh Nationalist Party‘s campaign, potentially paving the way for the party’s return to power after nearly two decades.
