Rahman, the 60-year-old son of former PM Khaleda Zia, returns home after nearly two decades of self-exile in London. He will lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in the February 26 elections, facing challenges such as the rise of radical Islamists with ties to Pakistan, increasing mob violence, and attacks on minorities and media outlets
In 2008, the army-backed caretaker government of Bangladesh sent Tarique Rahman to London for medical treatment while legal proceedings were underway against him on various criminal and corruption charges.
After nearly two decades in self-exile, Rahman, now the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to contest the February 2026 general elections — the first since last year’s violent uprising led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
After nearly two decades in self-exile, Rahman, now the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to contest the February 2026 general elections — the first since last year’s violent uprising led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government.