Overview
- Rahman landed in Dhaka on Dec 25 to massive crowds and a heavy security presence as senior BNP leaders received him and staged a public welcome.
- Courts overturned his in-absentia convictions after Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 ouster, removing legal barriers to his return and potential candidacy.
- BNP officials say he will complete voter-registration formalities on Dec 27, a step that would allow direct participation in the Feb 12 election.
- Bangladesh heads to the polls under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, with the Awami League barred and Jamaat-e-Islami among the contenders.
- His homecoming follows unrest linked to the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, attacks on media outlets, and strains with India, where Hasina has taken refuge.