Tarique Rahman may return home this month after 17 years in London exile

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is likely to return to Bangladesh by the end of November, bringing an end to his 17-year stay in London.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed hinted at the long-awaited homecoming on Tuesday night, saying the party is “hopeful” about Tarique’s return within this month, though it could be delayed by a few days.

Tarique, the eldest son of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been living in London since 2008. He left the country during the state of emergency declared under the military-backed caretaker government.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July uprising, all major legal barriers surrounding Tarique have reportedly been resolved, clearing the way for his return.

Party insiders said preparations are already underway for his homecoming, including arrangements at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, where he is expected to stay with his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima. BNP leaders are planning a grand reception from the airport to the Gulshan house, turning the day into a major political event.

Tarique has been running the party from abroad for years, shaping BNP’s strategy and leadership direction. In recent months, he has repeatedly expressed his intention to be with the people during the upcoming national election. In a BBC Bangla interview last month, he said, “As a political worker, it’s only natural that I stand with the people during an election.”

This time, Tarique is expected to contest from the Bogura-6 constituency — a symbolic seat for the Zia family. His mother, Khaleda Zia, has won from Bogura-6 and Bogura-7 multiple times since 1991 and has never been defeated there.

Tarique was arrested in March 2007 during the 1/11 government and later released on bail in September 2008. Shortly afterward, he left for London for medical treatment and has remained there ever since.

BNP leaders believe his return could reinvigorate the party’s grassroots and energize their campaign ahead of the next election.