Tarique Rahman, who had managed his party’s political affairs from Britain, is back in his country to campaign in elections.

The son of a former prime minister of Bangladesh returned home Thursday after more than 17 years in self-imposed exile as a frontrunner to become the nation's next leader in upcoming elections. Tarique Rahman moved to London in 2008 for medical treatment with permission after he was tortured while in custody during a military-backed government that ruled from 2006 to 2008.

Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, arrives weeks for pivotal elections are held.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned from nearly 17 years in exile on Thursday, a homecoming the party hopes will energise supporters with Rahman poised to be the top contender for prime minister in February.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gather to join a grand rally to welcome BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman after his return from London, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 25, 2025. REUTERS/Fatima Tuj Johora DHAKA,

Tarique Rahman, in pole position to become the next prime minister of Bangladesh, is back in the capital, Dhaka. Bangladesh goes to the polls on Febraury 12. Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,

Bangladesh Opposition leader and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, returned to the country after 17 years in exile on Thursday, December 25, terming his absence “politically motivated persecution.

The political heavyweight is to lead the BNP through an election after ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s exit following a student-led uprising.