Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh, Eyes PM Post After Khaleda Zia's Death

• Khaleda Zia, former PM and BNP Chairperson, passed away at 80, paving the way for her son Tarique Rahman's political resurgence.
• Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, filing candidacy for Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 in the 2026 elections.
• His return is seen as a pivotal moment, with experts like Michael Kugelman suggesting he could be Bangladesh's next Prime Minister.
• Rahman aims to reclaim BNP strongholds and reassert the party's influence, facing challenges amidst a volatile political landscape.
• The political scene is transformed with Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Awami League's disbandment, and the emergence of a new student-led party.

Why It Matters: Tarique Rahman's return and candidacy mark a critical shift in Bangladesh's political future.