Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh’s main opposition leader, Tarique Rahman, is preparing for a highly anticipated return home after nearly 17 years in exile, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) planning a historic rally in the capital to mark his arrival.

Rahman, 60, currently serving as the BNP’s acting chairman, is widely regarded as the party’s prime ministerial frontrunner ahead of the February parliamentary elections, which could redefine Bangladesh’s political landscape.

A Historic Homecoming

BNP officials are coordinating what they describe as an “unprecedented mobilisation,” aiming to gather up to five million supporters in Dhaka to welcome Rahman. The party expects large crowds along the route from the airport to the reception venue.

“This will be a defining political moment,” said senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, highlighting the symbolic significance of Rahman’s return.

Rahman has lived in London since 2008, following criminal convictions in Bangladesh related to money laundering and an alleged plot against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These legal obstacles were removed after Hasina was ousted during a student-led uprising last year, clearing the way for his return.

Political Context

Bangladesh’s political power has alternated between the BNP and Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League since 1991, with brief caretaker administrations in between. With the Awami League barred from contesting the February 12 vote, the BNP appears well-positioned to dominate the upcoming elections.

The homecoming unfolds under the oversight of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, tasked with ensuring a smooth transition and credible elections. Despite this, concerns remain over sporadic political violence and recent attacks on media outlets, raising questions about the government’s ability to guarantee a fair vote.

Symbolism and Support

BNP supporters view Rahman’s return as a moment of political renewal, energizing the party and signaling a resurgence after years of exile and political suppression. The National Citizen Party (NCP), born from the youth protests that toppled Hasina, also expressed support.

“Rahman was forced into exile under severe pressure and threats, so his homecoming carries symbolic weight,” said Khan Muhammad Mursalin, NCP spokesperson.
“His arrival will undoubtedly energise party leaders and supporters … On the path to democracy, we will stand with him.”

Rahman is expected to proceed directly from the airport to the rally venue, before visiting his mother, Khaleda Zia, who has been seriously ill for months. His return is seen as a defining moment for the BNP, consolidating the party’s position ahead of elections that will test Bangladesh’s democratic resilience after years of political turmoil.

Implications for Bangladesh Elections

With Rahman’s homecoming, the BNP is positioned to mobilize a massive voter base, likely reshaping the February elections. Analysts predict that this rally and the visibility of the party’s leadership could significantly impact voter sentiment, particularly among youth and supporters of the anti-Hasina movement.

The upcoming elections are not only a political test for the BNP, but also a critical moment for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, as the country navigates a post-uprising transition under interim governance.