Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returns from 17-year exile

Tarique Rahman, a prime ministerial hopeful and the acting chairman of Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years of political exile in Britain. The 60-year-old leader's homecoming marks a significant shift in the South Asian nation's political landscape as it prepares for general elections scheduled for February 12.

A Dramatic Political Reversal

Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had been living in London since 2008, when he left for medical treatment after a year in jail on corruption charges. Under the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he was convicted and sentenced in absentia to several prison terms for alleged corruption and money laundering. His return was made possible after an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, acquitted him of all cases following Hasina's departure from the country amid massive protests last August.

Homecoming and Electoral Ambitions

Thousands of BNP supporters gathered at roads leading to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome the returning leader, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter. Upon arrival, Rahman reportedly thanked interim head Muhammad Yunus by phone for arrangements ensuring his safety. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that Rahman would become prime minister if the party wins the upcoming vote. The BNP's political rival, the Awami League, had ruled for 15 years under Hasina.

Regional Context and Implications

The dramatic return of a key opposition figure ahead of pivotal elections underscores the volatile nature of Bangladesh's democracy. The country, a key partner for many nations including Türkiye in South Asia, is navigating a critical political transition. Türkiye values stability and democratic processes in its bilateral relations and views peaceful, credible elections as essential for the prosperity of the Bangladeshi people and regional harmony.