BNP leader TARIQUE RAHMAN returns: Who is Bangladesh’s potential next PM?

Saturday, December 27, 2025 -Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years in exile, setting the stage for a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape. 

His homecoming drew massive crowds in Dhaka and came amid intense national focus on the upcoming general election scheduled for February 2026. Rahman’s presence underscores his position as a leading contender to become the next prime minister if his party secures a parliamentary majority.

Rahman has led the BNP from abroad since 2018, guiding the party through years of political turmoil and legal battles. Many of the convictions against him, including charges tied to a high-profile grenade attack in 2004, have been overturned or stayed following dramatic political changes in 2024, clearing the path for his return and mainstream political participation. 

In his first speeches back, he has appealed for national unity and safety, emphasizing inclusivity and democratic renewal.

With Bangladesh currently under an interim government and long-time rival Awami League sidelined from the upcoming polls, Rahman’s visibility comes at a critical moment. 

Analysts say his growing support and strategic positioning could reshape electoral dynamics, particularly as the BNP works to stabilize politics amid unrest and calls for reform. If his party wins a majority, Rahman’s ascent to prime minister would mark a dramatic turnaround from years in exile to national leadership.