Tarique Rahman, son of Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, returned to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), confirmed. Rahman is the heir of one of the most powerful and longtime ruling families of Bangladesh. 60-year-old Rahman is eyeing the Prime Minister seat, he fled from Bangladesh in 2008 and settled in London, after according to him a politically motivated persecution. BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman is expected to take over from his mother Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment.
Tarique Rahman political comeback
Thousands of Rahman supporters queued outside the airport for his reception. Supporters were seen waving the BNP flag, carrying placards, flowers and many chanted slogans in support of Rahman. Under tight security, he was received by a senior leader. Wearing a light grey finely chequered blazer and white shirt, Rahman pulled all the spotlight as he stopped, smiled and waved at the supporters.
Although a huge crowd turned up to welcome Rahman, the claimed 5 million supporters turning up was hard to meet by the BNP party members. Rahman, 60, is viewed as a PM candidate for the upcoming elections in February. His return happened after the longtime ruling leader Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Bangladesh.
What would be the impact of Tarique Rahman’s return?
Rahman was forced into exile due to a number of criminal cases against him in Bangladesh, including money laundering, even plotting Hasina’s death, but now since Hasina is ousted and facing the death penalty, the previous ruling against Rahman has been overturned. Besides, his return has a personal urgency as well, as his mother Khaleda Zia seriously has not been keeping well for months now.
After Hasina’s removal, the political scenario in Bangladesh has changed, it has ended a decade long game, where Zia and Hasina were alternate for the PM post. As per the survey by the International Republican Institute, BNP might have a massive win because of the support, survey also points at the Jamaat-e-Islami party giving tough fight. It is also expected that Hasina’s Awami League party, which is now barred from the election, can cause some unrest and affect the vote bank.
Currently, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is leading the country and from time and again Yunus’ government has claimed fair and peaceful election, however, the recent attacks on media has changed the narrative, and now Rahman’s return can be a defining moment for the BNP.
