What's happened
Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, arrived in Dhaka from London on December 25, 2025, amid large supporter mobilization. His return follows the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and is seen as pivotal ahead of February 2026 elections, with BNP poised to lead amid political unrest.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports Rahman’s return has been met with massive supporter rallies and tight security, emphasizing the political significance of his homecoming amid unrest. The Japan Times highlights the support from hundreds of thousands of supporters and the BNP’s momentum after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. France 24 notes Rahman’s emotional speech and his call for building a united, safe Bangladesh. The New York Times and Reuters detail the legal and political hurdles Rahman faced, including convictions that were overturned post-Hasina’s removal, and the broader context of Bangladesh’s political rivalry. All sources agree that Rahman’s return is a pivotal moment, but differ in their emphasis on the potential for stability versus ongoing unrest.
How we got here
Rahman, living in London since 2008 due to political persecution, is the de facto leader of BNP and expected to lead the party in the February 2026 parliamentary elections. His return follows the student-led uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina in 2024, ending decades of political rivalry between BNP and Awami League. His mother, Khaleda Zia, is critically ill, adding personal urgency to his homecoming. The political landscape shifted after the uprising, with BNP gaining momentum and the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus preparing for a free election amid violence and unrest.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is Tarique Rahman's Return to Bangladesh So Important?
Tarique Rahman, the acting BNP leader and son of Khaleda Zia, has returned to Bangladesh after years in exile. His homecoming is stirring up the country's political scene, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon. Many are asking: Who is he, and what does his return mean for Bangladesh’s future? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this pivotal moment in Bangladesh politics.
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Myanmar's recent elections have sparked international concern due to ongoing civil conflict and questions about their legitimacy. The military-led polls exclude major opposition parties and are conducted amid violence and repression. Many wonder why these elections are viewed as unfair and what they mean for Myanmar’s future. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding Myanmar’s election process and the broader political situation.
More on these topics
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Khaleda Zia is a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006.
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Tarique Rahman is a Bangladeshi politician who is the current acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party since February 2018. He has been residing in London with his family since he left Bangladesh in September 2008.
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Sheikh Hasina, also known by her married name Sheikh Hasina Wazed, is a Bangladeshi politician serving as the 10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh, having held the office since January 2009.
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Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance.
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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is a center-right nationalist political party in Bangladesh and one of the major political parties of Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 162 million people.
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Dhaka, formerly known as Dacca, is the capital and the largest city of Bangladesh. It is the ninth-largest, and the sixth-most densely populated city in the world, with a population of 8.9 million residents within the city limits, and a population of over
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Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladesh Army officer and later turned statesman who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981. He was assassinated on 30 May 1981 in Chittagong in an army coup d'état.