Tuesday, 23 December, 2025
Bangladesh stands on the cusp of a historic political moment as BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to set foot on his homeland on Thursday, ending nearly 18 years in exile in London.
The anticipation is palpable, with a grand reception planned along the July 36 Expressway in Khilkhet, where a temporary stage has been erected under tight security.
The return of Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and political heir, is far more than a personal homecoming—it could mark a watershed in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Analysts suggest his presence on home soil may reshape the opposition, reinvigorate party organisation, and energise a young electorate eager for change.
For Gen-Z voters casting their first ballots in the national election on 12 February 2026, Tarique embodies a leader shaped by international exposure, modern political vision, and experience in navigating complex global and domestic challenges.
Tarique Rahman’s exile has been marked by hardship and political persecution. Cut off from his party and country, he endured 17 years of distance from Bangladesh’s political arena, facing legal battles, marginalisation, and vilification under successive governments. Supporters view these years as a testament to his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s opposition politics.
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored.
“History remembers those who redefine the rules of the game and reshape the landscape for generations to come,” notes a political analyst. In his absence, BNP struggled to maintain unity and discipline, operating largely from abroad. His return now promises to restore centralised leadership and reinvigorate grassroots supporters who have long seen his exile as emblematic of political victimisation.
Symbolically, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming represents a reversal of the political conditions that forced senior opposition figures into exile. It signals a step toward political normalisation and pluralism, while institutional and state readiness for his arrival will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. His return is poised to recalibrate the political landscape ahead of national elections, intensifying competition, sharpening discourse, and compelling all major actors to engage in dialogue, electoral reforms, and power-sharing mechanisms.
Observers agree: this is not merely a party milestone—it is a defining moment for Bangladesh’s post-authoritarian trajectory, with profound implications for opposition unity, electoral credibility, and the balance of power.
Tarique Rahman will arrive on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-2020 from London’s Heathrow, accompanied by six family members, including his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. BNP sources confirm he will address supporters from within the 300-foot reception area, offering his gratitude to the nation. Preparations extend beyond the reception.
Renovations at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence and arrangements at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan have been made to accommodate him.
A specially equipped bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser has already arrived in Dhaka, while Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has pledged the highest level of protection for the leader’s return.
Bangladesh Railway will operate 20 special trains across 10 routes on 25 December to facilitate travel for party leaders, supporters, and well-wishers. Extra carriages will be added to handle the expected surge, while three short-distance commuter services will be temporarily suspended. Railway officials expect these measures to generate around BDT 3.6 million in revenue, all while strictly adhering to the Election Code of Conduct–2025.
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, Tarique Rahman’s return is more than the journey of a political leader—it is a potential turning point for a nation yearning for renewed leadership, hope, and a redefined political horizon.
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Bangladesh stands on the cusp of a historic political moment as BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to set foot on his homeland on Thursday, ending nearly 18 years in exile in London.
The anticipation is palpable, with a grand reception planned along the July 36 Expressway in Khilkhet, where a temporary stage has been erected under tight security.
The return of Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and political heir, is far more than a personal homecoming—it could mark a watershed in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Analysts suggest his presence on home soil may reshape the opposition, reinvigorate party organisation, and energise a young electorate eager for change.
For Gen-Z voters casting their first ballots in the national election on 12 February 2026, Tarique embodies a leader shaped by international exposure, modern political vision, and experience in navigating complex global and domestic challenges.
Tarique Rahman’s exile has been marked by hardship and political persecution. Cut off from his party and country, he endured 17 years of distance from Bangladesh’s political arena, facing legal battles, marginalisation, and vilification under successive governments. Supporters view these years as a testament to his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s opposition politics.
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored.
“History remembers those who redefine the rules of the game and reshape the landscape for generations to come,” notes a political analyst. In his absence, BNP struggled to maintain unity and discipline, operating largely from abroad. His return now promises to restore centralised leadership and reinvigorate grassroots supporters who have long seen his exile as emblematic of political victimisation.
Symbolically, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming represents a reversal of the political conditions that forced senior opposition figures into exile. It signals a step toward political normalisation and pluralism, while institutional and state readiness for his arrival will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. His return is poised to recalibrate the political landscape ahead of national elections, intensifying competition, sharpening discourse, and compelling all major actors to engage in dialogue, electoral reforms, and power-sharing mechanisms.
Observers agree: this is not merely a party milestone—it is a defining moment for Bangladesh’s post-authoritarian trajectory, with profound implications for opposition unity, electoral credibility, and the balance of power.
Tarique Rahman will arrive on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-2020 from London’s Heathrow, accompanied by six family members, including his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. BNP sources confirm he will address supporters from within the 300-foot reception area, offering his gratitude to the nation. Preparations extend beyond the reception.
Renovations at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence and arrangements at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan have been made to accommodate him.
A specially equipped bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser has already arrived in Dhaka, while Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has pledged the highest level of protection for the leader’s return.
Bangladesh Railway will operate 20 special trains across 10 routes on 25 December to facilitate travel for party leaders, supporters, and well-wishers. Extra carriages will be added to handle the expected surge, while three short-distance commuter services will be temporarily suspended. Railway officials expect these measures to generate around BDT 3.6 million in revenue, all while strictly adhering to the Election Code of Conduct–2025.
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, Tarique Rahman’s return is more than the journey of a political leader—it is a potential turning point for a nation yearning for renewed leadership, hope, and a redefined political horizon.
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