Tarique Rahman Ends 17-Year Exile, Calls Mohammad Yunus Upon Return to Bangladesh

• Tarique Rahman, BNP acting chairman, returned to Bangladesh after 17 years of political exile, landing in Sylhet and then Dhaka.
• Upon arrival, he symbolically kissed Bangladeshi soil and later called Mohammad Yunus, head of the interim government, to thank him for his safe return.
• He was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman; supporters view his return as a 'homecoming' and political rebirth.
• Rahman will address a rally in Dhaka and visit his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital.
• His return is seen as crucial for the BNP's leadership and electoral strategy, especially as the party enters election mode for the upcoming general elections.

Why It Matters: Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years of exile marks a strategic political move for BNP ahead of elections.