Tariq rahman, ⁢60, a prominent figure in Bangladeshi opposition politics, has returned to Dhaka, Bangladesh, after 17 years in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.His return on December 25, 2023, signals a potential ​shift in the political landscape as the ⁣nation prepares for general elections scheduled for February 12, 2024.

A family Legacy in ‍Bangladeshi Politics

Rahman is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda ⁤Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh‍ Nationalist Party (BNP). His father, Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in ​a military coup in 1981. Following her husband’s death,Khaleda Zia,previously a homemaker,entered politics and became a leading voice of opposition against military rule.

Years in Exile and Political Future

Rahman’s departure for London in 2008 followed alleged torture during detention under a previous military regime. He ⁤has served‍ as the acting chairman ‍of the BNP during his time abroad. The party ⁢has now nominated him to contest the seat previously‌ held by his mother,⁤ former Prime Minister Zia, in the upcoming elections.

Thousands of supporters greeted⁣ Rahman upon his arrival at Dhaka’s airport, forming⁤ a welcoming procession approximately 2 kilometers long.⁤ His return is widely seen as a strategic move​ ahead of the February elections, with many anticipating he ⁣will be ⁣a leading contender for the position⁣ of prime minister should the ⁤current government, led by Sheikh Hasina, be defeated.