Bangladesh political heavyweight Tarique Rahman to end exile
Summary
Tarique Rahman, heir to Bangladesh's ruling family and acting BNP chairman, is set to return from exile after 17 years ahead of key elections, taking over from his ailing mother Khaleda Zia.
Key Points
- Tarique Rahman, longtime BNP leader in exile, will return to Bangladesh after 17 years.
- He is expected to succeed his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as acting chairman of BNP.
- The return occurs ahead of the February 2026 elections following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.
- Rahman was acquitted of his life sentence in absentia related to a 2004 grenade attack and has reemerged as a prominent BNP figure.
