• Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, greeted by thousands of supporters.
• His return comes amid heightened political tensions and calls for peace and stability in the country.
• Rahman is positioned as a potential prime ministerial candidate in the February elections.
• The BNP is expected to be a frontrunner in the elections, given the exclusion of the Awami League.
• Rahman emphasized a plan for an inclusive, safe Bangladesh during his homecoming speech.

After 17 years in exile, Bangladesh's aspiring prime minister Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to Dhaka, welcomed by thousands of supporters. His arrival marks a significant moment in Bangladeshi politics as the nation prepares for general elections set for February 12, 2026. Accompanied by family members, Rahman expressed gratitude and reverence for his homeland, even taking a moment to scoop up soil upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, signaling his emotional connection to Bangladesh, according to aa and scmp.

During his emotional homecoming, Rahman called for peace and stability, outlining his vision for a safe Bangladesh inclusive of all citizens regardless of their religious backgrounds—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. He insisted on the need for a united effort to build a better nation, emphasizing that "It is time for us all to build the country together," he stated, referencing the diverse makeup of the population, as highlighted by channelnewsasia and aljazeera.

Rahman's return is seen as a watershed moment for the BNP, especially as the party prepares for the elections following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid massive protests against her leadership. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has acquitted Rahman of previous corruption charges, thus enabling his return, according to aa and aljazeera.

Political analysts view the BNP as a frontrunner for the upcoming elections, especially after the ban on Hasina's Awami League from contesting. Rahman's leadership is expected to galvanize the party’s base and attract undecided voters. With the political landscape of Bangladesh shifting rapidly, Rahman faces the dual challenges of upholding party unity and addressing lingering public grievances over his past, as discussed by scmp and aljazeera.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains tense following the assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which triggered violent protests. Rahman’s return could serve as a stabilizing force amidst this chaos, with some experts suggesting that he needs to convey a clear message of inclusion and unity to effectively steer the country towards a peaceful electoral process. Rahman stated, “If we work hard, we can fulfill our vision for a strong democracy and economy,” echoes similar sentiments emphasized throughout his speeches upon returning, as covered by channelnewsasia and aljazeera.