Summary
An exiled leader, Tarique Rahman, plans to return to Bangladesh to compete in the upcoming elections after two decades abroad. The elections follow mass protests that removed Sheikh Hasina from power, and Rahman's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is currently the favorite to win. The elections are set against a backdrop of political tension, with the Awami League banned from participating.
Key Facts
- Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the BNP, has lived in London since 2008 and intends to return to Bangladesh to participate in elections.
- The elections are significant, following mass protests in 2024 that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Up to 1,400 people reportedly died in the 2024 unrest, leading to Hasina's departure to India where she faces trial in absentia.
- The current interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has barred Hasina's Awami League from political activities until trials are complete.
- The BNP is currently leading in the polls with Rahman expected to become the next prime minister if they win.
- Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party, has gained influence but Rahman does not view them as a threat in the elections.
- Khaleda Zia, the BNP's previous leader and Rahman's mother, is in poor health and unlikely to partake in campaigning.
- A new party, the National Citizen's Party, led by student leaders, has not gained significant support in recent student elections.
