Khaleda Zia’s son returning to Bangladesh after 15 years; to spearhead BNP campaign

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman is set to return to Dhaka on Thursday, ending nearly 15 years in exile, a move widely seen as a clear signal that the country is heading towards national elections expected in February, sources said.

Rahman’s return is expected to mark his formal assumption of charge of the BNP’s election campaign. Party cadres across the country have been instructed to mobilise ahead of his arrival, with workers asked to remain on high alert and take charge of the situation in key urban centres, including Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet—traditional BNP strongholds critical for voter mobilisation, sources added.

According to intelligence inputs accessed Rahman’s arrival carries a heightened risk of large-scale street mobilisation, including counter-protests and the possibility of violence. Security agencies have flagged concerns over the potential involvement of fringe Islamist groups seeking visibility amid the high-profile political development.

Who is Tarique Rahman?

Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the BNP and the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Widely regarded as the principal political heir of the BNP’s founding family, Rahman has been running party affairs from abroad since leaving Bangladesh nearly 15 years ago amid multiple legal cases.

Despite his prolonged absence, Rahman has remained the party’s key decision-maker, shaping its political strategy and alliances. Within the BNP, his physical return is being seen as a turning point, especially with elections approaching and the party keen to demonstrate organisational strength on the ground.

What’s happening in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has witnessed rising political tensions in recent months, marked by protests, counter-protests and growing concerns over law and order ahead of the expected polls. Rahman’s return is being interpreted across political circles as confirmation that the election timeline has been firmly set in motion.

Once back in Dhaka, Rahman is also expected to confront internal challenges, particularly the need to revive the party’s weakened finances. Sources said his leadership may reassess the BNP’s broader political strategy, including its ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and other hardline allies, a recalibration that could significantly reshape the opposition’s electoral pitch.