Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, landed in Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile, greeted by massive crowds amid political shifts following Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 ouster.
Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh at a pivotal moment. His homecoming strengthens the BNP ahead of February’s general election. It signals a potential power shift in South Asia’s volatile politics, where opposition parties reclaim ground after authoritarian rule.
Tarique Rahman Dhaka Arrival Amid Tight Security
Tarique Rahman arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 25, 2025. He flew from London on a commercial flight. Senior BNP leaders welcomed him on the tarmac. Security forces deployed in large numbers to manage the crowds.
Supporters gathered along the 10-kilometre route from the airport to the reception venue. They waved party flags and chanted slogans. BNP officials estimated up to 5 million people turned out. Rahman, dressed in a grey blazer and white shirt, waved back from his vehicle.
This Tarique Rahman Dhaka arrival marks the end of his self-imposed exile since 2008. He left Bangladesh facing charges under Sheikh Hasina’s government. Courts convicted him in absentia for money laundering and an alleged assassination plot. Those rulings were overturned after Hasina’s removal in August 2024.
Background on Bangladesh Opposition Leader Exile
Tarique Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 80. She leads the BNP but has been ill for months. Rahman serves as acting chairman. He fled to London in 2008 amid what BNP calls political persecution.
During his Bangladesh opposition leader exile, Rahman coordinated party activities remotely. The BNP alternated power with Hasina’s Awami League for decades. Hasina’s 15-year rule ended in 2024 after student-led protests. Over 700 died in the unrest.
An interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge. It pledged reforms and a fair election. The Awami League faces a ban from contesting. A US-based International Republican Institute survey in December shows BNP leading with potential majority seats.
Rahman’s return clears his path to lead. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the homecoming earlier this month. It aligns with party efforts to mobilise voters.
BNP Leader Homecoming Sparks Reactions
The BNP leader homecoming drew immediate responses. Supporters celebrated it as a victory for democracy. “This is a new chapter,” said one activist at the rally. Crowds blocked roads in Dhaka, causing hours of traffic delays.
Opposition figures praised the event. Jamaat-e-Islami, another party in the race, noted the momentum. Analysts say Rahman’s presence boosts BNP’s campaign. Khan Muhammad Mursalin, a political commentator, stated his return holds symbolic weight after years of threats.
The interim government ensured security. Yunus’s administration has committed to peaceful polls. However, recent violence raises concerns. Attacks on media and sporadic clashes occurred in recent weeks.
Awami League remnants warned of unrest. They claim the ban is unfair. Hasina, now in India, faces charges back home.
Political Implications for South Asia
Tarique Rahman returns amid broader regional changes. Bangladesh’s stability affects neighbours like India and Myanmar. Trade ties and border security depend on smooth transitions.
The BNP leader homecoming could reshape alliances. India backed Hasina during her rule. Now, New Delhi watches Yunus’s interim setup. Rahman has criticised past Indian interference. His leadership might push for balanced relations.
In South Asia, opposition revivals echo trends in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Authoritarian ousters through protests signal public demand for change. Bangladesh’s election tests this shift.
Economic factors play in. Inflation hit 9% this year. BNP promises reforms. Rahman, with business experience, may focus on jobs and investment.
What’s Next
Elections are set for February 2026. Rahman will likely visit his mother first. He plans to address a major rally soon. BNP aims to finalise its manifesto.
Tarique Rahman returns positions him as prime ministerial frontrunner. Victory would end Awami League dominance. Yunus’s government must ensure fair voting amid threats.
The Bangladesh opposition leader exile ends with hope for stability. Yet, violence risks persist. Observers watch for inclusive dialogue.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 25th, 2025
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