Crown Prince Tarique Rahman Lands in Dhaka, Shaking Up Politics

Tarique Rahman, a central figure in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has arrived in Dhaka, ending a 17-year period of self-imposed exile in London. His return is being hailed as a potentially transformative event for Bangladesh’s political future. Rahman, 60, who is the acting chairman of the BNP, comes from a storied political background. His father, Ziaur Rahman, founded the BNP and was a pivotal figure in the nation’s liberation war, earning the Bir Uttam award. Tarique Rahman himself entered politics young and solidified his position within the party during his mother’s terms in office. He relocated to London after the 2008 elections and has remained there until now. His return occurs amidst a period of significant political upheaval, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread student demonstrations. The upcoming general elections present an opportunity for a shift in power, with some surveys suggesting a strong performance for the BNP. The country has also been grappling with incidents of violence, which have added to the general sense of instability. Widely seen as the ‘crown prince’ of his political dynasty, Rahman’s stated purpose for returning is to care for his ill mother. However, political observers are keenly watching to see if he will emerge as a major contender for the country’s leadership in the post-election landscape. His reappearance in Bangladesh could signal the dawn of a new political era.