In a pivotal moment for Bangladeshi politics, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), set foot on his homeland on Thursday, December 25, 2025, ending a self-imposed exile of over 17 years. His dramatic return, marked by a massive public rally in Dhaka, comes just weeks before the crucial February 12 parliamentary elections, reshaping the nation's political landscape.
A Historic Homecoming and a Call for Peace
Rahman arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka in the morning, accompanied by his wife Zubaida and daughter Zaima. Stepping out barefoot, he was greeted by thousands of jubilant supporters and senior party leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The homecoming was secured by a heavy security blanket of around 4,000 personnel from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, and police.
Addressing the political unrest following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman's first public speech in the capital was a call for peace and stability. He later spoke by phone with interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, thanking him for the security arrangements made for his safe return.
‘I Have a Plan for a Safe, Inclusive Bangladesh’
Hours after landing, the 60-year-old leader outlined his vision to a gathered crowd. "I have a plan," he declared, aiming to build an "inclusive Bangladesh" where citizens from all religions and regions—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, from the hills and the plains—can live without fear.
"We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man and child can leave home safely," Rahman asserted. He invoked the spirit of the country's 1971 independence struggle, drawing a parallel to the mass protests of 2024 that led to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, stating that people from all walks of life had again united to defend Bangladesh's sovereignty.
Political Reshuffle and Regional Dynamics
Rahman's return is strategically timed as the BNP positions itself as the frontrunner for the upcoming polls, especially after the Awami League was barred from contesting under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Having effectively led the BNP from London since 2018 due to his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's ill health, his physical presence is expected to galvanize the party base.
The political scene has also seen the re-emergence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a former ally during the BNP's 2001–2006 tenure, as a key rival. Notably, Rahman's speech did not mention India, even as his return coincides with a strain in India-Bangladesh relations. The tension stems from Hadi's killing, which sparked protests amid allegations of Indian involvement, prompting New Delhi to call for a thorough probe and express concerns over attacks on minority communities, including Hindus.
Departing the airport in a bulletproof bus, Rahman's journey back marks the beginning of a high-stakes electoral campaign, with his promise of a secure and unified nation at its core.
