The Bangladesh Nationalist Party plans to rally 5 million supporters Thursday to welcome leader Tarique Rahman home after nearly 17 years in exile, demonstrating its strength as he emerges as a top contender for prime minister in the February elections.
Sixty-year-old Rahman, better known as Tarique Zia, is the son of ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and acting chairman of the party that is widely expected to come out on top in the parliamentary vote set for Feb. 12.
His return from London comes as his BNP is on the ascendant following the ouster of its archfoe, long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a student-led uprising last year. Apart from brief transition administrations, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina have alternated in power since 1991.
A December survey by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute suggests the BNP is on course to win the largest number of parliamentary seats, with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party also in the race. Hasina's Awami League party, which has been barred from the election, has threatened unrest that some fear could jeopardize the vote.
Rahman’s decision to return is driven by both political developments and personal circumstances. His mother has been seriously ill for months, prompting what party insiders describe as an urgent trip home.
