Tarique Rahman Lands in Dhaka After 17-Year Exile

The BNP Acting Chairman touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to a “sea of supporters”; symbolic homecoming marks the official launch of the party’s 2026 election campaign.

December 25, 2025: In a defining moment for Bangladesh’s political landscape, Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), ended his 17-year exile on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, the 60-year-old heir apparent to the Zia political dynasty landed in a city secured by thousands of security personnel and millions of chanting supporters.

The Homecoming: “Soil of the Motherland”

Rahman’s journey from London to Dhaka included a symbolic stopover in Sylhet before his flight reached the capital at approximately 12:20 PM.

• Symbolic Gesture: Upon exiting the airport, Rahman performed a poignant ritual, standing barefoot on the grass and picking up a handful of soil. “Finally, back on the soil of my beloved country,” he posted on social media shortly after.
• Massive Reception: The BNP claimed that over five million supporters gathered along the 300-foot Purbachal Expressway and routes leading to the airport. A specially decorated red-and-green bus was waiting to transport him to a reception venue.
• Family Reunion: Rahman’s first priority is visiting his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia (80), who is currently in intensive care at Evercare Hospital.

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Political Context: The February 12 Polls

Rahman’s return is not merely personal; it is the cornerstone of the BNP’s strategy for the upcoming General Elections on February 12, 2026.

• Frontrunner Status: With the Awami League disbanded by the interim government, the BNP is widely viewed as the favorite. Rahman is expected to be the party’s candidate for Prime Minister.
• Legal Clearance: Over the last year, higher courts have acquitted Rahman of his most serious charges, including a life sentence linked to the 2004 grenade attack, clearing his path to lead the party on the ground.
• Voter Registration: Rahman is scheduled to formally register as a voter on December 27 to solidify his eligibility for the upcoming polls.

Security & Unrest

The “historic” return took place under the shadow of significant national instability:

Moghbazar Blast: Just 24 hours prior, a crude bomb blast in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area killed a shop worker named Saiful, highlighting the precarious security situation.

Osman Hadi Protest: The country remains tense following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was assassinated on December 12.

Government Stance: The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government facilitated the return, with Chief Adviser Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stating that “every effort” was made to ensure Rahman’s security.