International media highlight Tarique Rahman's return as 'PM front-runner'
Global media organisations, including the BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera and The Telegraph, prominently covered his homecoming, describing him as a leading contender to become Bangladesh’s next prime minister ahead of the upcoming general election
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh today (25 December) from London after more than 17 years in exile, drawing massive crowds of supporters and wide coverage from leading international media outlets.
Hundreds of thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters lined the route from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the reception venue in Dhaka's 300 feet area, waving party flags and chanting slogans as they welcomed their leader home.
Global media organisations including the BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera and The Telegraph prominently covered his homecoming, describing him as a leading contender to become Bangladesh's next prime minister ahead of the upcoming general election.
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The BBC headlined its report, "Front-runner to be Bangladesh PM returns after 17 years in exile."
The report said Tarique Rahman, 60, widely viewed as the frontrunner for the premiership, returned ahead of what it termed "landmark general elections."
It also described him as a key figure of the influential Zia family and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The BBC noted that the BNP is seeking a return to power when the country goes to the polls in the new year.
Al Jazeera, in its report titled "Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returns after 17 years in exile," described him as the heir to Bangladesh's longtime ruling family and leader of the country's powerful opposition.
The broadcaster highlighted the symbolic moment when Tarique exited the airport barefoot and picked up a handful of soil upon his return to Bangladeshi soil.
Al Jazeera further reported that Tarique is widely seen as the prime ministerial frontrunner in February's general election, adding that his return comes as the BNP regains political momentum following the 2024 ouster of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph, citing the Associated Press, reported that the son of a former prime minister had returned home promising to work for a safe and stable country, positioning himself as a frontrunner to become Bangladesh's next leader after years of exile.
