Tariq Rahman’s return home from London, what will be its impact on Bangladesh elections?

News India Live, Digital Desk: After 17 years, a name is once again echoing in the political corridors of Bangladesh, whose return has intensified the stir in the politics there. We are talking about Tariq Rahman, the working president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He was living in exile in London for the last 17 years, but now he has returned home. His return is expected to change the political equation and Bangladesh politics may take a new turn in the times to come. Tariq Rahman is the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and has a strong influence in BNP. However, his political career has always been surrounded by controversies. He faces serious charges including corruption, attempt to murder (which also includes conspiring in the 2004 grenade attack on current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) and promoting terrorism. Due to these allegations, he has also been sentenced by the courts in various cases. Despite all this, he is considered a strong leader within the party and has considerable influence among his supporters. Now his return home has come at a time when the general elections in Bangladesh are near. Many speculations are being made about what effect his return will have on the electoral politics of the country. For the last few years, Awami League’s Sheikh Hasina government has been in power continuously. The opposition has always alleged that the Awami League is weakening democracy and suppressing opposition voices. In such a situation, the return of Tariq Rahman can breathe a new life into BNP. Political analysts believe that Tariq Rahman will try his best to strengthen his party, BNP. Under his leadership, the party can once again promote large-scale protests. However, his past will also present a big challenge in his path. The allegations of corruption and violence against him may raise questions in the minds of voters. On one hand, his return may make the electoral path a bit difficult for the Awami League. On the other hand, it can also give another excuse to the Awami League to unite its supporters by saying that the country has to be saved from such controversial leaders. Overall, Tariq Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years has heated up the political atmosphere and many ups and downs can be seen in the politics of Bangladesh in the coming days.