Who is Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s son & why his return to Bangladesh after 17 yrs is significant

After nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the man many call the “Crown Prince” of Bangladeshi politics, is scheduled to return to Dhaka on December 25. Tarique Rahman is one of the most prominent figures in Bangladesh politics and is the eldest son of former President Gen. Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, the 80-year old BNP chairperson and former prime minister who served three terms. Samah Qundeel explains what his return means for Bangladesh’s elections scheduled to be held in February 2026.