Tomorrow will be a very important day in Bangladeshi politics, as Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, will return to the country after 17 years

Bangladesh has once again been gripped by a wave of intense violence in recent days. Attacks and arson are occurring in several key locations across the country, and the Hindu community is being targeted. Meanwhile, Thursday is set to be a crucial day in the politics of violence-ridden Bangladesh. According to reports, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is returning to Bangladesh on Thursday, December 25th. He will be returning to his country after 17 years.

Why was Tarique abroad?
Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh comes after 17 years. He was arrested in 2007. After his release from prison, he went to London for medical treatment and has been living there ever since. In 2016, when Khaleda Zia was sentenced, Tarique Rahman was elected the acting chairman of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) while still in London. A large crowd is expected to gather in Dhaka to welcome him back.

Preparations for the welcome are underway
After 17 years in exile in London, elaborate preparations are underway in Purbachal, Dhaka, to welcome Tarique Rahman back to Bangladesh tomorrow. Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) and the son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman. BNP leaders and activists from across the country are already arriving at the welcome site.

When are the elections in Bangladesh?
General elections are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on February 12, 2026. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country in August 2024 following violent protests. An interim government was then formed, and Muhammad Yunus has been leading it since then. Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh before these elections is considered a significant event.