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BNP's Tarique Rahman to Register as Voter Amid Bangladesh Election Tensions

The BNP has announced its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will formally register as a voter on December 27. His planned return to Dhaka comes just ahead of Bangladesh's national parliamentary elections scheduled for February. Rahman's homecoming occurs amid a tense political climate and while his mother, party chairperson Khaleda Zia, is seriously ill in hospital. Analysts suggest his participation will be a major test for the country's turbulent political waters.

Key Points: Tarique Rahman Voter Registration BNP Bangladesh Election

  • Tarique Rahman will complete voter registration formalities on December 27 in Dhaka
  • His return follows acquittals in major cases like the 2004 grenade attack
  • The national election and a charter referendum are scheduled for February 12
  • His mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, is hospitalized with heart and lung infections
  • Home Advisor assures maximum security for Rahman's arrival on December 25
  • Analysts warn his return could deepen tensions in a volatile political landscape
2 min read

Bangladesh: BNP's Tarique Rahman to register as voter on Dec 27

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will register as a voter on Dec 27, returning to Bangladesh ahead of the February national elections.

"The following day is Friday, so he will complete whatever is required regarding becoming a voter, obtaining a voter ID, or a national ID on December 27 - Salahuddin Ahmed"

Dhaka, Oct 22

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday announced that its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will complete the formalities to become a registered voter on December 27, local media reported.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed made the announcement following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission in Dhaka.

The BNP leader said Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on December 25.

“The following day is Friday, so he will complete whatever is required regarding becoming a voter, obtaining a voter ID, or a national ID on December 27," Bangladesh's Daily Star quoted Salahuddin as saying.

Rahman’s return comes at a time when the EC has announced that the country's 13th national parliamentary election, along with a referendum on the July Charter, will be held on February 12 next year.

Meanwhile, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that extensive security arrangements have been put in place for the return of Rahman on December 25.

“Maximum security measures have already been taken to ensure the safe arrival of Tarique Rahman in the country,” Bangladeshi media outlet Bangla News 24 quoted the Home Advisor as saying.

Rahman, who has been leading the BNP from London and has recently been acquitted in major cases, including the August 2004 grenade attack, faces minimal legal hurdles to return.

His mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on the night of November 23 following a medical board's advice after being diagnosed with infections affecting her heart and lungs.

She remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital with both local and foreign specialist doctors overseeing her treatment.

Analysts reckon that Rahman's return and participation in the February 2026 elections will test the waters amid the ongoing turbulence in Bangladesh's politics under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, which is under mounting pressure to deliver a free, fair and credible election.

Since the election schedule was announced, Bangladesh has been grappling with widespread violence. Critics warn that Rahman’s return to the volatile political landscape in Bangladesh could deepen tension across the country.

Khaleda Zia's BNP acted hand in glove with the interim government led by Yunus in overthrowing the democratically-elected Awami League government last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His return after being acquitted in such serious cases raises questions. As a neighbour, we should watch closely. A stable Bangladesh is good for trade and regional security.
R
Rohit P
The timing with his mother's illness is very emotional. Family comes first, but politics in Bangladesh is so volatile. Hope the common people don't suffer more violence.
S
Sarah B
From an outside perspective, it seems like a high-stakes political drama. The interim government has a huge responsibility to ensure a fair election process. The region needs stability.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, my primary concern is the impact on our border states. Political unrest there often leads to illegal migration issues here. Authorities should be prepared.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the article seems to present a particular narrative. The BNP's role is complex. We should avoid simplistic takes and wish for a democratic process that respects the will of the Bangladeshi people.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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