NewKerala.com

Tarique Rahman's Return: Why His December 25 Arrival Shakes Up Bangladesh Election

Bangladesh Nationalist Party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on December 25. His planned return comes amid the build-up to the country's next national election and a historic referendum. Rahman has been living in the United Kingdom since 2008, following his release from prison and subsequent medical treatment. The Election Commission has announced that the parliamentary election will be held on February 12 next year.

Key Points: BNP's Tarique Rahman to Return to Bangladesh on December 25

  • Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the political upheaval of the 1/11 period
  • He has lived in the UK since 2008 after being released for medical treatment
  • His return coincides with the announced schedule for Bangladesh's 13th national election
  • Several court verdicts against him were overturned following last year's political changes
2 min read

BNP's Tarique Rahman to return to Bangladesh on Dec 25 amid election build-up

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman plans to return to Dhaka on Dec 25 amid election build-up, after years abroad following overturned convictions.

"The party would formally receive and welcome Rahman upon his arrival in the capital. - Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General"

Dhaka, Dec 13

Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on December 25, local media reported on Saturday.

The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Gulshan. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party would formally receive and welcome Rahman upon his arrival in the capital.

Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the political upheaval linked to the 1/11 period. After being released from prison in 2008, he travelled to the United Kingdom along with his family for medical treatment and has remained there ever since.

Following the July uprising that led to the fall of the democratically elected Awami League government on August 5 last year, several court verdicts that had sentenced Tarique Rahman in different cases were overturned.

In some other cases, he was acquitted through legal proceedings.

His mother, BNP chief Khaleda Zia, is also not in good health.

His planned return comes at a time when the Election Commission (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.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin made the announcement in a pre-recorded address broadcast on state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on December 11.

According to the announced election schedule, December 29 has been set as the last date for submitting nomination papers. The scrutiny of nominations will take place from December 30 to January 4.

The deadline for the withdrawal of candidatures is January 26, while the election campaign is scheduled to begin on January 22, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.

Bangladesh is set to hold the February 2026 national election alongside a referendum for the first time in the country's electoral history.

Last month, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus instructed the Election Commission to organise the referendum on the same day as the February 2026 polls, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed.

"The Cabinet Division sent the letter to the commission, directing it to begin necessary preparations for holding a referendum," an EC official was quoted as saying by leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The timing is very strategic, right before the nomination deadline. It will be interesting to see if his presence energizes the BNP base. Wishing the people of Bangladesh a peaceful and fair electoral process.
P
Priya S
After so many years in the UK, coming back now shows he's serious about the election. But his past cases being overturned raises questions. Hope the election commission ensures a level playing field for all parties. 🤞
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I feel a stable and democratic Bangladesh is crucial for regional peace and trade. The referendum alongside elections is a new experiment. Let's hope it strengthens their democracy, not creates confusion.
R
Rohit P
The article mentions his mother Khaleda Zia's health. It must be an emotional return for him. Politics aside, family comes first. Hope the political atmosphere allows him to be with his ailing mother.
M
Michael C
With respect, the reporting seems to present facts but lacks deeper context on the "1/11 period" or the nature of the cases against him. A more detailed background would help readers understand the full significance of his return.
K
Kavya N
December 25 arrival... a Christmas homecoming! Jokes aside, this is a major political event. Bangladesh's elections are always closely watched here. Hope

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50