‘Time has come to…’: Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman makes BIG announcement amid political turmoil in Bangladesh

Tarique Rahman, acting president of Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the BNP, and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has announced his imminent return to the country. Rahman, who has been in self-exile for 17 years, confirmed this in an interview with BBC Bangladesh. “Some valid reasons have prevented my return, but the time has come, and I will return soon,” Rahman said on Monday. The BNP leader confirmed his presence during the general elections in February. He said, “I will return soon and be among the people during the elections.”

The 58-year-old Rahman said, “Physically, I may be in Britain, but mentally and emotionally, I have been in Bangladesh for the last 17 years.” He further said, “How can I stay away at a time when the country is going to have the much-awaited national elections? During the elections, I will be with the people and among them.” Rahman also revealed that he will contest the elections himself this time.

Rahman in the race to become PM

The BNP is considered the frontrunner in the February elections, and if the party wins, Rahman is likely to lead the country. When asked about becoming prime minister, Rahman said, “The people will decide.” Tarique Rahman was sent to London for treatment in 2008 by the then military-backed caretaker government. He was facing corruption and several criminal cases. One of these cases involved a grenade attack on then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina in 2004, in which Rahman was accused of masterminding the attack.

He has been living in London since then. His mother, BNP chief Khaleda, is 80 years old and has largely withdrawn from active politics due to ill health. Rahman’s announcement comes at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing political transition. Sheikh Hasina’s once-influential party, the Awami League, has been banned by the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. This has left the BNP positioning itself as a frontrunner in the election race.

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