Bangladesh leader seen as likely next prime minister set to return from exile ahead of polls

A supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) holds a party's flag ahead of a rally to be attended by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman after his return from London, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 24 (Reuters) - The Bangladesh Nationalist ‌Party aims to gather five million supporters to welcome its leader Tarique Rahman home from nearly 17 years in ‌exile on Thursday, a show of strength as he emerges as a leading contender for prime minister in ‌February elections.

Rahman, 60, is the son of ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and acting chairman of the party that is widely expected to come out on top in the parliamentary vote set for February 12.