Khaleda Zia's Son Tarique Rahman Announces Return to Bangladesh After 17 Years

New Delhi: Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's acting chairman and the son of the ailing party supremo Khaleda Zia, has said that he will return to Bangladesh on December 25 – after a little over 17 years.

Rahman's own announcement solidifies the promise made by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir last week.

Rahman is also the son of Ziaur Rahman, the Bangladesh president who was assassinated in 1981.

During the long rule of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League, Rahman was a frequent target of the administration. He was arrested during an anti-corruption drive in 2007 and released on bail in 2008. In September of that year, Rahman travelled to London for medical treatment and has been there ever since. He was acquitted of all charges by the high court after the fall of the Hasina government in August, 2024.

A day ago, Rahman said in an address to the United Kingdom unit of the BNP in London that he is set to end this 17-year exile. The meeting was meant to mark Bangladesh's victory in its Liberation War against Pakistan.

The New Age newspaper quoted Rahman as having said, "I have spent nearly 18 years with you. Over time, at different events, I have met with many people and built countless memories with you, sharing both joys and hardships. By the grace of Allah, and with your prayers, I will return home on December 25."

Loud applause followed this line, several outlets have reported. The reports also said that Rahman also asked supporters not to crowd the Heathrow Airport on the day of his departure seeing that this could create disorder and harm the BNP's image.

Prothom Alo has further reported that Rahman said in his address on December 16 that "conspiracies against Bangladesh are still continuing" and that what he had stated a year ago in this regard has now become reality. "Those who conspired in 1971, in November 1975, in 1981, in 1996 and in subsequent periods are still active today," he said.

The BNP leader then said that it is the responsibility of BNP leaders and activists at all levels to remain vigilant, united and aware, together with the people of the country, against such conspiracies.

Senior BNP leaders told some news outlets that Rahman will stay at house number 196 on Gulshan Avenue – the residence allocated to Khaleda Zia after the assassination of Ziaur Rahman.

BNP has, meanwhile, announced a national reel-making competition to mark Rahman’s return.

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