Tarique Rahman to register as a voter on December 27 after returning to Bangladesh, signaling BNP’s election push ahead of the February parliamentary polls amid political unrest, security measures, and growing pressure on the interim government.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially announced that its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will complete the formal process of becoming a registered voter on December 27, marking a significant political development ahead of the country’s next general election.
The announcement was made on Monday by BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka. According to the BNP, Rahman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from London on December 25, ending years of political exile and paving the way for his direct participation in national politics.
Speaking to the media following the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that December 26 falls on a Friday, a public holiday, making December 27 the earliest possible date for Rahman to complete the required voter registration formalities. These include enrollment in the electoral roll and the issuance of a voter identification card or national identity card.
Tarique Rahman’s return comes at a crucial juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The Election Commission has already announced that the country’s 13th national parliamentary election will be held on February 12 next year. The polls will be accompanied by a referendum on the July Charter, a political framework introduced by the interim administration to guide future governance reforms.
The Home Ministry has assured heightened security for Rahman’s arrival and subsequent movements. Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that extensive security measures have been put in place to ensure Rahman’s safe return to Dhaka.
“Maximum security arrangements have already been taken to ensure the safe arrival of Tarique Rahman in the country,” Chowdhury said, according to local media reports. Law enforcement agencies are expected to remain on high alert given the prevailing political volatility and recent incidents of unrest across the country.
Rahman has been leading the BNP from London for several years while facing multiple legal cases at home. However, recent court verdicts have cleared him of major charges, including the high-profile August 2004 grenade attack case. These acquittals have significantly reduced legal obstacles to his return and re-entry into active politics.
Political observers note that Rahman’s decision to register as a voter is more than a procedural step; it is a symbolic assertion of his readiness to contest or influence the upcoming parliamentary elections. As the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and the heir apparent to BNP leadership, his political re-emergence could reshape opposition strategies and electoral dynamics.
The development also unfolds against the backdrop of serious health concerns surrounding BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. She was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on the night of November 23 following medical advice after being diagnosed with infections affecting both her heart and lungs. Khaleda Zia remains in the Intensive Care Unit, with a team of local and foreign specialist doctors overseeing her treatment.
Analysts believe that Khaleda Zia’s fragile health has further elevated the importance of Tarique Rahman’s return, positioning him as the central figure in the BNP’s election campaign and strategic decision-making.
Bangladesh’s political environment remains tense following the announcement of the election schedule. Widespread violence and clashes have been reported in several parts of the country, raising concerns among civil society groups and international observers about the credibility of the upcoming polls.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is under increasing pressure to deliver a free, fair, and transparent election process. Critics argue that the administration must act decisively to curb political violence, ensure a level playing field, and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
Notably, Khaleda Zia’s BNP had previously aligned with the interim government during the political upheaval that led to the removal of the Awami League government last year. This political cooperation continues to draw scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the interim administration can maintain neutrality during the election process.
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Rahman’s return and voter registration are therefore being closely watched both domestically and internationally. While supporters view his comeback as a revival of participatory democracy, critics warn that his presence could further polarize an already divided political landscape.
As Bangladesh heads toward a pivotal election, Tarique Rahman’s next moves are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s political future.
