Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years, BNP Hails Turning Point

• Tarique Rahman, BNP acting chairperson, returns to Bangladesh after 17 years of political exile, ahead of Feb 2026 elections.
• BNP sees his return as a critical turning point, expecting it to energize the opposition campaign and consolidate public support.
• Rahman is regarded as the party's chief strategist and political heir, advocating a "Bangladesh First" policy.
• His return coincides with the Bangladesh Awami League barred from polls, positioning BNP as the frontrunner.
• Rahman is expected to contest from Bogura-6, a seat his mother Khaleda Zia previously held.

Why It Matters: Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years marks a significant political shift for BNP ahead of Bangladesh elections.