Tarique Rahman: From 17-year exile to landslide win in Bangladesh election
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tarique Rahman, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, has achieved a remarkable turnaround after a 17-year self-imposed exile in London. Following his return home just two months prior to the pivotal parliamentary elections, Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory with a decisive two-thirds majority. This win positions him as the next prime minister, continuing a political legacy that spans generations within his family, including his mother, Khaleda Zia, and father, Ziaur Rahman, both influential leaders in Bangladesh’s history.
Rahman’s journey from exile to leadership is a testament to the shifting dynamics of Bangladeshi politics. He left the country in 2008 amid political tensions, stating he needed medical treatment during a period of military-backed governance. Upon his return last year, he was welcomed as a hero and swiftly took charge of the BNP following his mother’s passing. His leadership has been marked by efforts to rebrand himself as a statesman, moving beyond the controversial image associated with the party during Khaleda Zia’s tenure in the early 2000s.
Rahman’s election victory comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, following months of political turmoil and the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026