Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia Critical, Son Tarique Rahman's Return Possible Amid Political Shift & Interim Govt Assurance

Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia Critical, Son Tarique Rahman's Return Imminent

Bangladesh's political arena is abuzz as former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remains in a "very critical" condition at a Dhaka hospital. The 80-year-old political stalwart was admitted on November 23 due to a severe chest infection impacting her heart and lungs, according to medical and senior party sources.

Tarique Rahman's Return Prospects Brighten

Amidst this health crisis, her self-exiled son, Tarique Rahman, who serves as the acting chief of the BNP, has signaled potential changes to his prolonged absence. Rahman, residing in London since 2008, initially posted on Facebook that his return to Bangladesh was "not entirely" within his control, sparking widespread speculation about the underlying political or legal challenges.

Interim Government Clears Path for Return

However, the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, swiftly moved to clarify the situation. Yunus's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, publicly stated on Facebook that there were "no restrictions or objections" to Rahman's return. This assurance was further solidified by de facto Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain, who declared on Sunday that a travel pass would be issued within a day if Rahman decided to come back to Bangladesh.

Legal Hurdles Removed

Significantly, all legal cases against Rahman have been dismissed since the ouster of long-serving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. This development effectively clears the path of any legal complications that previously hindered his return, paving the way for his potential reintegration into the country's political fabric.

BNP's Resurgence and Political Landscape

The BNP, which notably boycotted contested elections in 2014 and 2024, has experienced a significant resurgence since last August's student-led uprising that led to Hasina's removal. The party is now widely perceived as a leading contender in Bangladesh's rapidly evolving political landscape, making Rahman's potential return a pivotal moment for the nation.