In a significant political and personal development, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made an emotional visit to his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in a Dhaka hospital on 25 December 2025. The visit marks his dramatic return to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years of self-exile in London.
A Long-Awaited Return
The 60-year-old BNP leader's arrival earlier in the day ended a prolonged period of absence that began in 2008. Rahman had been living in the United Kingdom since then, leading the party's activities remotely. His return is intricately linked to the critical health condition of his mother, Khaleda Zia, a towering yet polarising figure in Bangladeshi politics who served as the country's Prime Minister.
The Hospital Visit and Political Context
The hospital visit is not merely a family affair but an event loaded with political implications. Khaleda Zia, the BNP's chairperson, has been receiving medical treatment for an extended period. Her son's ability to return and visit her suggests potential behind-the-scenes negotiations or a shift in the political landscape. As the acting chairman, Tarique Rahman is the de facto leader of the party, and his physical presence in Bangladesh could signal a new phase for the BNP, which is the principal opposition force in the country.
Implications for Bangladesh's Political Future
This development is set to send ripples through Bangladesh's volatile political scene. Analysts will be watching closely to see if Rahman's return is temporary or permanent. His presence on the ground could reinvigorate the BNP's organisational structure and strategy ahead of future electoral challenges. The event underscores the deep intertwining of personal family dynamics and national politics within the country's major political dynasties. The coming days will reveal whether this marks a turning point or a brief interlude in the ongoing political narrative of Bangladesh.
