Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years in Exile Ahead of Elections
Tarique Rahman's Homecoming
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, made his return to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending 17 years in exile, as reported by local media.
Having fled to London in 2008, Rahman is now a significant candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February, where he aims for the prime ministerial position.
He had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly orchestrating a grenade attack during a rally in 2004, which resulted in the deaths of 24 members of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
During his time abroad, Rahman faced multiple legal challenges, including a conviction for money laundering and around 100 lawsuits. However, these convictions were annulled following Hasina's removal from power in August 2024, after widespread protests led by students.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka, accompanied by his wife Zubaida and daughter Zaima, Rahman addressed a large gathering, sharing his vision for the nation and quoting Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous words, 'I have a dream.'
He expressed, 'Like him, I want to say, I have a plan for Bangladesh,' as reported by local news outlets.
Rahman also referenced the recent killing of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, who was advocating for citizens' economic rights. He emphasized the need to honor the sacrifices made during the 1971 and 2024 struggles for independence and justice.
The death of Hadi, a notable figure in the student-led protests against the Hasina administration, sparked unrest and violence across various regions in Bangladesh.
On Thursday, protests escalated, leading to stones being thrown at the residence of the assistant Indian high commissioner in Chittagong, along with attacks on properties associated with the Awami League.
In response to the unrest, New Delhi temporarily halted visa services at its Chittagong center and increased security around its diplomatic missions.
During his speech, Rahman claimed that 'agents of various dominant powers are still engaged in conspiracies' within the country, urging citizens to remain vigilant and patient.
He reiterated the people's desire to reclaim their democratic rights, stating, 'The time has come for all of us to build the country together. This nation belongs to everyone, regardless of their faith or background.'
Rahman's return is viewed as a pivotal moment for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, especially with the 13th national election approaching on February 12, marking the first election since Hasina's ousting.
On December 11, the Chief Election Commissioner announced that a national referendum regarding the 'July Declaration' would coincide with the elections, which aims to ensure recognition of the 2024 student protests.
Muhammad Yunus, the interim government's head, emphasized the importance of this declaration to prevent any future government from becoming oppressive.
Yunus, a Nobel laureate, assumed leadership of the interim government shortly after Hasina's resignation and flight to India on August 5, 2024, after 16 years in power.
He has committed to resign once a new elected government is established.
The last elections took place in January 2024, resulting in Hasina's fourth consecutive term, with the Awami League winning 222 out of 300 parliamentary seats amid accusations of electoral fraud from opposition parties.
In May, the interim government prohibited all activities of the Awami League, including its online presence, under anti-terrorism legislation.