Saturday, December 27, 2025 | Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 2:55 PM]
The political legacy of Ziaur Rahman has returned to the national and regional spotlight with the homecoming of his son, Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in self-imposed exile. However, Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladesh’s former president and the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Plus, his return is a defining moment for Bangladesh’s politics at a time when the country faces deep instability, rising violence, and strained regional ties.
Tarique Rahman’s Return and Symbolic Tribute to Ziaur Rahman
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka from the UK on Thursday. Therefore, it ends nearly two decades of exile that began in 2008. After arriving, the 60-year-old leader visited Zia Udyan, where he paid floral tributes at the grave of his father, Ziaur Rahman. There, he offers dua and munajat for his soul.
According to the Daily Star newspaper, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and the army were restricting access to boost the security of the area. Senior BNP leaders accompanied Rahman. Moreover, party activists gathered outside, chanting slogans in a show of political strength.
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Bangladesh at a Political Crossroads
The return of Tarique Rahman comes as Bangladesh is preparing for an election expected in February 2026. The BNP emerged as the frontrunner as the Awami League of Sheikh Hasina is currently banned from the election. Moreover, Rahman is the son of Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Hence, he is widely tipped to become the next prime minister.
Some fear political disputes due to past allegations of persecution under the rule of Hasina. Still, experts note that realpolitik might prevail. Moreover, Rahman has also signalled a pragmatic approach by highlighting stability, governance, and national interest over retaliation.
Symbol of Hope After Osman Hadi’s death
Besides the election, the return of Rahman is also important after recent unrest over the killing of popular student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a staunch India-critic who took part in last year’s mass uprising.
A masked person shot Hadi, 32, this month in Dhaka. Later, he died of his wound at a Singapore hospital. Unfortunately, his death set off violent protests as the mob destroyed several buildings, including two major newspaper offices favouring India and a cultural institution.
Anti-India sentiments were stirred afresh in the nation after a garment worker was accused of cursing and a mob lynched him in December. Now, Rahman’s return could settle down the unrest.
Foreign Policy Signals and India-Bangladesh Ties
The direction of the foreign policy is of particular interest to the regional observers, including residents in the UAE. Tarique Rahman’s past statement, ‘Not Dilli, not Pindi, Bangladesh before everything,’ suggests a departure from the interim administration’s perceived tilt toward Pakistan and anti-India rhetoric.
Bangladesh has maintained a close relationship with other countries like India under Hasina’s rule. However, the recent shift has strained that relationship. Hence, the leadership of Rahman could offer a chance to reset the bilateral ties. Still, India’s continued provision of safe sanctuary to Hasina remains a sensitive issue and a diplomatic test.
Besides India, Bangladesh has better relationships with other nations, like the UAE. Now, it would be interesting to see how the relationship changes after Rahman’s return.
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Minority Protection and Political Balance
The hardline Jamaat-e-Islami, once an ally of BNP, is currently attempting to regain influence. However, Tarique Rahman has publicly stated that the protection of minorities is their core principle. Hence, this stance has been welcomed as a positive signal after broader riots in the country.
Why Ziaur Rahman’s Legacy Still Matters
The legacy of Ziaur Rahman continues to shape the political identity of Bangladesh, more than four decades after his death. In addition, the return of his son has revived discussion about nationalism, democracy, and regional balance. Hence, the impact of the leadership of Tarique Rahman will determine whether the country moves towards stability or deeper uncertainty.
It is worth watching closely for the region and the wider international community, including the UAE.
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