Select Language:
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gathered in Dhaka to participate in a massive rally welcoming Tarique Rahman back from exile in London. The event took place on December 25, 2025, with rally participants waving party flags, holding banners, and showering Rahman with flowers while chanting slogans in his honor. The senior BNP leader was received at Dhaka airport under tight security, with hundreds of thousands lining the route from the airport to the rally venue.
Rahman, 60, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had been living abroad since 2008. He has served as acting BNP chairman since 2018 and is seen as a leading contender for the upcoming prime ministerial race in February. His return marks a significant moment for the party amidst a shifting political landscape after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina last year.
Previously, Rahman faced multiple criminal charges, including money laundering and charges related to an alleged plot to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. However, these convictions in absentia were overturned following political developments that allowed his return. Rahman has also expressed personal urgency to see his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, who has been seriously ill for several months, with plans to visit her after the rally.
The upcoming elections are highly competitive, with early polls indicating the BNP is poised to secure the most parliamentary seats, alongside the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, which has been barred from participating, has warned of potential unrest that could threaten the peace and stability of the voting process.
Bangladesh is preparing for elections under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. While authorities have pledged to ensure a fair and peaceful election, recent incidents of violence and attacks on media outlets have heightened concerns. Rahman’s return is viewed as a crucial moment for the BNP and the country’s fragile democratic transition.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
