Tarique Rahman to Return Home for First Election Since Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster

After fleeing the country during last year’s mass uprising, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in exile — and now, nearly two decades after leaving Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman is preparing to return ahead of the country’s upcoming national elections.

The 59-year-old politician, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, serves as the acting chairman and de facto leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). According to the British outlet The Independent, BNP leaders believe they have a strong chance of winning the parliamentary election scheduled for February 2026 — expected to be one of the most decisive polls in the nation’s recent history. The election will take place under a transitional administration.

In an interview with BBC Bangla, Tarique Rahman said:

“The time has come, Inshallah, I will return soon. Perhaps I haven’t been able to come back for personal reasons, but I believe now is the right time.”

He added,

“This is the election people have long waited for — I cannot remain away during such a crucial moment.”

Background: Fall of the Hasina Government

Following widespread protests and unrest last year, Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule came to an end as she fled to India. Nearly 1,400 people lost their lives during the anti-government movement and subsequent crackdown.

Her departure left a power vacuum, which was filled by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a known critic of Hasina. Under this administration, the Awami League was banned from participating in political activities, and trials against Sheikh Hasina began in her absence.

Tarique Rahman’s Exile and Legal Battles

Commonly known as Tarique Zia, he has lived in London since 2008 after leaving Bangladesh amid a series of corruption and criminal charges. In his absence, multiple verdicts were delivered against him — including a life sentence in connection with the 2004 grenade attack on a rally addressed by Sheikh Hasina. Tarique has consistently denied all allegations.

After the fall of the Hasina government last year, all charges against him were dropped by the interim authorities.

Khaleda Zia’s Health and Political Role

Tarique’s mother, Khaleda Zia, now 80 years old, remains in fragile health. It is still uncertain whether she will actively take part in the upcoming election campaign.

Tarique remarked:

She entered prison in good health and came out unwell, deprived of proper medical treatment. If her health improves, I am confident she will contribute to the campaign in some way.