BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returns to the country Thursday, ending 17 years and three months of exile in the United Kingdom. His homecoming is being seen as a critical moment not only for his party but also for Bangladesh, given the country’s fragile socio-political landscape.
Tarique returns at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with unchecked mob violence at home and growing diplomatic strain with neighbouring India. With law and order deteriorating and a visible political vacuum following the fall of the Awami League, his physical re-entry into national politics places him under intense scrutiny.
As the leader of BNP, now the largest active political party in the absence of Awami League, Tarique’s first and most immediate challenge will be to discipline party leaders and activists and steer them away from factionalism and illicit practices. Years of Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and illness, coupled with Tarique’s prolonged absence, have left the party internally fractured. BNP leaders, however, believe his physical presence will help overcome the leadership deficit.
Political analysts argue that Tarique’s responsibility extends beyond reorganising his party. Many expect him to play a constructive national role in restoring order and calming tensions ahead of the 12 February parliamentary election.
“In the current situation, Tarique Rahman’s return is positive for the country because there is a vacuum in leadership,” said Professor Dilara Choudhury, former head of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University.
She noted that if he calls for national unity and succeeds in disciplining his party, Tarique could emerge as a national leader. She also emphasised the need for him to prioritise the aspirations of the youth in post–July uprising Bangladesh, while warning that failure to build unity could further aggravate instability.
Echoing similar views, Professor Nurul Amin Bepari said Tarique’s return carries the promise of political stability. “If the February election is held and BNP forms the next government, it could help bring the current chaotic situation under control. But for that, Tarique must demonstrate charismatic and responsible leadership,” said the former Dhaka University teacher.
Managing Jamaat-e-Islami, a former ally turned electoral rival that has gained significant ground since Hasina’s fall, will pose another critical challenge, observed the analysts.
Political rise
Tarique joined BNP as a general member in 1988 and played a limited role in the 1991 general election campaign. His active political engagement began at the district level in Bogura and continued until the 2001 election. His rise accelerated in 2002 when he was appointed senior joint secretary general of the party.
Soon after, he began appearing at public events, signalling his emergence as a future leader. Despite criticism over his leadership style and allegations surrounding Hawa Bhaban, known as an alternative power centre during the BNP-led government, Tarique became one of the most influential figures in party and state affairs at the time.
Arrest, exile and return
Tarique was arrested by the military-backed caretaker government on 7 March 2007 during an anti-corruption drive and was implicated in multiple cases. After a year in detention and prolonged illness, he was released on bail in September 2008 and left for London, formally announcing his retirement from politics.
Within a year, however, he returned to political life, becoming the party’s senior vice chairman, the second most powerful rank after Khaleda Zia, the chairman of BNP. He became BNP’s acting chairman in 2018 after Khaleda Zia was jailed. He has since led the party from exile.
The fall of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 marked a turning point for him. The interim government of Muhammad Yunus cleared the legal obstacles, paving the way for his homecoming.
Political analysts say if Tarique can reunite his party, restore discipline, and guide the country toward a credible election, he could position himself as a serious contender for national leadership. Failure, however, could deepen the uncertainty Bangladesh can ill afford.
Meanwhile, BNP has taken extensive preparation to welcome him.
Senior leaders have been assigned to oversee airport reception, transport routes and crowd management, while strict instructions have been issued to party activists to maintain discipline and avoid any action that could trigger disorder.
In coordination with law enforcement agencies, multi-layered security measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth return and movement. Police, intelligence agencies and special units have increased surveillance at key points, including the airport and along movement routes.
To welcome Tarique and attend a grand rally at 300 Feet of Purbachal, BNP leaders, activists and supporters from all the country began to coming to the capital on Wednesday. BNP leaders expect more than five million people will attend the rally.
