Tarique Rahman, former PM Khaleda Zias son, returns to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile amid unrest

PTC News Desk: Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to Dhaka after nearly 20 years in self-imposed exile. His return is seen as a major political moment for both violence-hit Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), especially with the national elections scheduled for February. These elections are also important from India’s regional security point of view.

Rahman, who is the acting chief of the BNP, arrived with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter, lawyer Zaima. Sharing his return on social media, he wrote that he was back in Bangladesh after 6,314 days. For India, his comeback is significant because the pro-India Awami League has been barred from contesting the elections, and Khaleda Zia is currently hospitalised.

Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh maintained strong relations with India, balanced its ties with China, and kept its distance from Pakistan. However, under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, the country has moved closer to Pakistan, leading to strained ties with India.

India hopes that relations may improve again if the BNP comes to power. In recent times, there have been signs that India and the BNP are trying to rebuild their relationship.

Bangladesh is currently facing serious challenges, with extremist groups becoming more active and spreading anti-India sentiment. India is especially concerned about Jamaat-e-Islami, which is believed to have close links with Pakistan’s ISI. The group, which was banned during Hasina’s rule, has returned to politics after her removal last year.

Rahman’s arrival was marked by a large show of strength, with around 50 lakh BNP supporters joining a roadshow from the airport to his home. He is expected to contest the election from the Bogura-6 seat, while Khaleda Zia is likely to run again from her stronghold, the Bogura-7 constituency.