Entrance-runner to be Bangladesh PM returns after 17 years in exile

Tarique Rahman, the front-runner to be the subsequent prime minister of Bangladesh, has returned to the nation after 17 years in exile forward of landmark common elections.

The 60-year-old is the figurehead of the influential Zia household and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

The occasion he leads, the Bangladesh Nationalist Celebration (BNP), is eyeing a return to energy when Bangladesh goes to the polls within the new yr.

Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, is predicted to turn out to be the nation’s new chief if the BNP emerges as the biggest occasion.

Rahman’s return comes within the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being ousted final yr.

He had been the topic of varied felony investigations launched whereas her Awami League occasion was in energy however was cleared of all prices when her regime fell.

Hasina resides in exile in India and her occasion is unlikely to be permitted to participate within the elections, which many view as among the many most consequential in Bangladesh’s historical past.

Final month, Hasina was sentenced to loss of life for her function in suppressing anti-government protests.

In accordance with UN investigators, as much as 1,400 folks died within the student-led unrest.

Hasina, who was placed on trial in absentia, has denied committing crimes towards humanity.