Tarique Rahman and the Politics of Return
As Bangladesh enters a decisive political moment, the recent statements by Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have reignited public debate about leadership, accountability and the future direction of national politics.
Speaking in a recent conversation highlighted by BBC Bangla, Tarique Rahman declared that the “time has come” for him to return to Bangladesh, a country he has not set foot in since 2008.
His words have generated both anticipation and skepticism, reflecting the deeply polarised political landscape.
For nearly a decade and a half, Tarique Rahman has remained in exile in London.
His absence from the national political arena has created a leadership vacuum within the BNP, forcing the party to operate with its chief strategist far from the country’s political realities.
While his influence has persisted across borders through digital communication and party directives, the physical distance between the BNP’s top leadership and the electorate has often been criticised as a structural weakness.
In recent months, however, his tone has shifted from caution to determination.
He now speaks of returning ahead of the next election, of standing with the people and of taking part directly in the democratic process.
The broader political climate adds further complexity. The fall of the previous regime in 2024 and the subsequent political transition have opened a new phase of uncertainty and recalibration.
With the caretaker leadership seeking legitimacy and the opposition sensing renewed opportunity, Bangladesh is witnessing a rare moment of fluidity.
In this context, Tarique Rahman’s return could shift the trajectory of national politics.
His re-entry would energise BNP supporters, challenge competing political camps and redefine the stakes for the next election.
At the same time, it would also test the country’s judicial institutions and raise questions about whether the state is prepared to provide guarantees of safety and fair due process.
A stable democratic future requires clear rules, open political participation and trust in institutions.
All political actors, whether in government, opposition or transitional authority, must recognise that Bangladesh cannot move forward through exclusion, persecution or distant leadership.
Tarique Rahman’s wish to return should not be dismissed, nor should it be treated as a purely partisan victory.
Instead, it should be considered as part of a broader conversation about national reconciliation, restoration of political rights and strengthening of democratic accountability.
The people of Bangladesh deserve leaders who stand with them not only in words but in presence.
They also deserve a justice system that is fair, transparent and insulated from political manipulation.
As the nation prepares for a critical electoral year, it is essential that the political arena remains open for participation by all major stakeholders, provided that the rule of law is upheld.
Tarique Rahman’s potential return is therefore not just a question about one man’s journey home.
It is a test of whether Bangladesh is ready to embrace a more inclusive, lawful and democratic future.