Dhaka: Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to end his 17-year self-imposed exile and return to Bangladesh on 25 December. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time as the election dates have also been declared. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections on 12 February next year.
BNP Welcomes the Decision
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General, confirmed that the decision for Rahman’s return was taken during a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee. He stated, “We are pleased to announce that our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to Dhaka on 25 December. The party will formally welcome him. This step is both emotionally and politically significant.”
Khaleda Zia’s Critical Health
Rahman’s return comes amid serious health concerns for his 80-year-old mother, Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalized at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She has been placed on ventilator support after her oxygen levels dropped and carbon dioxide levels rose, prompting doctors to increase respiratory support.
Political and Personal Background
Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during a period of political turmoil and, after his release in 2008, moved to London for medical treatment with his family, where he has resided since. During this period, he faced various legal cases, including a death sentence in connection with a bomb attack on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, following the Awami League government’s ouster last year on 5 August, several convictions against him were overturned, while he was acquitted in other cases.
Despite his absence from the country, Rahman has remained the de facto leader of BNP, addressing party members and supporters through online platforms. His return marks a significant political development as Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming elections.
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