Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is set to land in Dhaka on December 25 after nearly two decades in self-imposed exile in London. His highly anticipated homecoming arrives just weeks before the country's parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, injecting fresh energy into the BNP's campaign amid a volatile political landscape.

BNP leaders have hailed Rahman's return as a turning point, positioning him as the party's de facto leader while his ailing 80-year-old mother remains sidelined by health concerns. Cleared of longstanding charges from the previous Awami League government, Rahman plans to spearhead a 31-point reform agenda emphasizing democracy, security, and national sovereignty. Supporters are mobilizing for grand welcomes in BNP strongholds, viewing him as the "Crown Prince" poised to challenge the power vacuum left by the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina.

The timing raises eyebrows as Bangladesh grapples with escalating violence, including recent attacks following the killing of protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi and rising radical influences. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus's administration has bolstered security, assigning a retired brigadier to protect Rahman and Zia, underscoring fears of unrest. With the Awami League banned, analysts predict Rahman's physical presence could unify opposition forces or ignite rivalries, especially against groups like Jamaat-e-Islami.

On the foreign front, Rahman advocates a "Bangladesh First" policy, distancing from past alignments with India, China, or Pakistan—a message resonating with voters wary of external meddling. Regional watchers draw parallels to dynastic comebacks elsewhere, like Pakistan's Bhuttos, suggesting potential shifts in South Asian geopolitics post-election. As crowds gather and tensions simmer, Rahman's arrival could mark the start of BNP's resurgence after 20 years in the wilderness—or test the nation's fragile stability. Updates will follow as the December 25 flight touches down.