Bangladesh’s ‘Dark Prince’ Returns: Tarique Rahman’s Homecoming Revives Old Fears and New Ambitions
- MGMMTeam
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
After nearly 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka on December 25, reopening one of the most controversial chapters in Bangladesh’s political history. His arrival has electrified supporters, unsettled rivals, and revived uncomfortable memories of an era marked by allegations of corruption, violence, and shadow governance.
For Bangladesh, Rahman’s return is not just a political event — it is a moment of reckoning.
A Grand Welcome After Years Abroad
Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from London amid unprecedented security and an elaborate show of strength by BNP supporters. Thousands lined the streets of Dhaka, chanting slogans and waving party flags as Rahman made his way to a public rally.
For the BNP, the homecoming symbolised the return of its de facto leader at a time when the party is positioning itself for the February 2026 parliamentary elections. Rahman, who has led the party in absentia for years, is widely seen as its prime ministerial face if the BNP secures power.
In his first public remarks, Rahman struck a conciliatory tone, calling for unity and declaring that “Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens,” irrespective of political or religious identity.
The Shadow of Hawa Bhaban
Yet, behind the celebrations lies a past that continues to haunt Rahman’s political identity. During the BNP-led government between 2001 and 2006, Rahman operated from Hawa Bhaban, an unofficial office in Dhaka’s Banani area that many diplomats, journalists, and political observers described as a parallel power centre.
Hawa Bhaban, critics allege, functioned as the real nerve centre of governance, bypassing official institutions. It was during this period that US diplomatic cables reportedly referred to Rahman as the “Dark Prince” — a reference to his perceived behind-the-scenes influence, opaque dealings, and alleged accumulation of wealth.
Though the building itself has since been demolished, its political legacy remains deeply embedded in Bangladesh’s collective memory.
Allegations of Violence and Corruption
Rahman’s name has long been linked to some of the darkest episodes in Bangladesh’s political history. The most serious among them is the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, which killed over 20 people and injured hundreds.
Investigations and political opponents have alleged that planning related to the attack had links to figures operating from Hawa Bhaban. Rahman has consistently denied involvement, calling the cases politically motivated. Nevertheless, the incident remains a defining stain on his public image.
In addition, Rahman faced multiple corruption and money-laundering cases, many of which led to convictions in absentia while he remained in the UK after leaving Bangladesh in 2008 citing medical reasons.
Legal Rehabilitation and Political Reset
The political shift in Bangladesh following the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule dramatically altered Rahman’s fortunes. Under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, several cases against Rahman were overturned or stayed by higher courts, clearing the legal path for his return.
Supporters describe this as long-delayed justice, while critics warn it reflects selective accountability in Bangladesh’s deeply polarised legal system.
Regardless, the legal reset has enabled Rahman to re-enter active politics at a moment when Bangladesh’s democratic institutions are under intense scrutiny.
High Stakes for Bangladesh and the Region
Rahman’s return has implications beyond domestic politics. For India, which maintained close ties with the Awami League government, the resurgence of the BNP — traditionally viewed as less friendly towards New Delhi — is being watched closely. Regional analysts see potential shifts in Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities if Rahman rises to power.
Internally, concerns persist about political stability, minority protection, and the risk of renewed confrontational politics. Critics fear that Rahman’s return could reopen old fault lines, while supporters argue it restores balance to a political system long dominated by a single party.
The MGMM Outlook
Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile signals a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape. Welcomed by massive crowds and public rallies, his homecoming underscores the BNP’s preparation for the 2026 parliamentary elections, positioning Rahman as a key political figure. Despite a conciliatory public address emphasizing unity, his political persona remains shadowed by his past association with Hawa Bhaban, an informal power center during the BNP’s 2001–2006 tenure, and allegations of corruption, violence, and opaque governance. Historical controversies, including links to the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina and convictions in absentia for corruption, continue to shape his public image and provoke caution among opponents.
Legally cleared to return following the 2024 political shifts in Bangladesh, Rahman’s resurgence carries both domestic and regional implications. Internally, concerns over political stability, minority protection, and potential renewal of confrontational politics persist, while supporters argue that his return restores political balance in a system long dominated by a single party. Regionally, countries like India are closely monitoring potential changes in foreign policy under a BNP-led government. Tarique Rahman’s comeback, therefore, is more than a personal or party triumph—it is a test of Bangladesh’s democratic resilience and the ability of its political institutions to manage the complex legacy of power, controversy, and polarization.
(Sources: The Business Standard, India Today, Moneycontrol)