Tarique Rahman returns to Dhaka after 17 years amid political unrest, ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, arrives weeks for pivotal elections are held.

Dhaka: After spending 17 years in exile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is set to return to Dhaka on Thursday,

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile amid tight security, marking a major moment for the BNP ahead of elections. His homecoming comes as Bangladesh faces political unrest, with India and the international community closely watching developments.

For India, Rahman’s homecoming is politically significant. With the pro-India Awami League barred from contesting the elections and Khaleda Zia hospitalised, Bangladesh faces a volatile political climate. Interim chief Muhammad Yunus has struggled to contain radical Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, widely seen as aligned with Pakistan’s ISI, which has regained political ground after being banned under Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman, the 60-year-old son of ailing former premier Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a leading contender for prime minister in the upcoming February general elections.

Tarique Rahman is set to return to Dhaka on Thursday (Dec 25) after 17 years in exile and ahead of key elections.