Bangladesh Politics: Khaleda Zia's Son Tarique Rahman Returns After 17-Year Exile

Bangladesh's politics is set to witness a major shift with the return of Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman, often referred to as the "crown prince" of Bangladesh politics, is set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday, December 25, marking the end of his 17-year exile in London. The 60-year-old politician fled Bangladesh in 2008, citing politically motivated persecution. His return comes ahead of key elections in the country, which will be the first since the mass uprising last year that ended Sheikh Hasina's rule. Rahman's return has been welcomed by BNP supporters, with Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir calling it a "fantastic day". His mother, Khaleda Zia, is currently receiving treatment in hospital after suffering from a chest infection which spread to her lungs and heart. Rahman's return is significant, as he has long been groomed for leadership within the BNP. His father, Ziaur Rahman, was an army commander who gained prominence after the 1975 coup that led to the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina. Tarique Rahman has faced several allegations, including corruption charges and being accused of nepotism and mismanagement. However, since Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year, he has been acquitted of serious charges, including a life sentence for his alleged involvement in the 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally. Rahman's return is expected to further fuel tensions in Bangladesh, which has been experiencing political unrest and violent protests in recent times. The country is set to hold elections next year, and Rahman's involvement is likely to have a significant impact on the outcome.