Name: BNP leader Tarique Rahman returns to Dhaka
Uploaded: 2025-12-26T00:08:09.867Z
Duration: 2 min 31 s
Description: After 17 years in exile, the ‘prince’ of Bangladesh politics returns to Dhaka. Can he bring the BNP back to power, too?

After 17 years in exile, the ‘prince’ of Bangladesh politics returns to Dhaka. Can he bring the BNP back to power, too?

Dhaka

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to Dhaka following nearly 17 years in exile. His arrival was marked by a massive gathering of supporters, reflecting the significance of his return in the context of Bangladesh's political landscape.

Rahman's return comes as the country approaches national elections, with supporters expressing hopes for political reform, economic recovery, and unity. Analysts note that Rahman faces significant challenges, including maintaining party discipline and addressing demands for clean politics and national security.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman returns to Dhaka

After nearly 17 years away, Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman has returned to Dhaka, a homecoming many sees as one of the most consequential moments in the country's recent political history. He addressed a crowd of more than a million people in the capital, with supporters traveling from across the country. Emotions ran high as excitement swept through the gathering. Our hope now is that our aspirations and dreams will be fulfilled. God willing, Tariq Rahman will bring equality, fairness and justice to the country through a human and inclusive approach. We want clean and fair politics in Bangladesh, ensuring there is no infiltration by corrupt individuals and no entry of figures from the former ruling Awami League into our party. Beyond the election, expectations are high. Young voters in particular are demanding economic recovery, jobs and security. These are pressures that could test any future government. After nearly 17 years in exile, Tariq Rahman's return comes at a time when Bangladesh is trying to redefine its power and politics. With elections on the horizon, this move could reshape the opposition's strategy and possibly the nation's political future. Analysts warn that challenges are huge, from keeping party discipline and preventing violence to countering extremists. Our hero and national leader Tariq Rahman has returned after 17 years in exile. He is now among us. We hope he will free our country from corruption, radicalism and extortion. Tariq Rahman, meanwhile, is urging unity and stresses the need to build a democratic nation with a strong economy. This country has people from the hills. It has people from the plains. There are Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and people of other faiths as well. We want to build a Bangladesh that a mother dreams of, meaning we want to build a safe Bangladesh. As Bangladesh moves closer to the polls, Tariq Rahman's return could help redefine the political landscape. Whether he can steer the country toward a credible democratic future remains to be seen. Tanvi Chaudhry, Al Jazeera, Dhaka

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