 "Back from exile, BNP’s Tarique Rahman files nomination to contest Bangladesh polls")
In a major development in Bangladesh’s lead-up to the February 2026 parliamentary election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has officially filed his nomination papers to run for a seat from Dhaka-17, authorities and party officials said on Monday.
Rahman’s papers were submitted at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office in Segunbagicha around midday by senior party members acting on his behalf, as reported by The Daily Star. The nomination formalises his bid for one of the key constituencies in the capital, which includes areas like Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara.
The move comes shortly after Rahman returned to Bangladesh in late December following 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, a homecoming that energised his supporters and led to political buzz across Dhaka.
Before filing his nomination, Rahman completed voter registration and was added to the voter list in Ward 19 of the Dhaka-17 area, meeting an essential eligibility requirement to stand in the election.
Dual constituency strategy
BNP leaders confirmed that Rahman plans to contest not just Dhaka-17, but also Bogra-6, as part of the party’s broader electoral strategy.
In a statement to journalists, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the party’s plan: “Our party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the election from two seats. One is Bogura-6 and the other is Dhaka-17. This is a party decision.”
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View AllWhat this means for the election
Political watchers say Rahman’s decision adds fresh momentum to the BNP’s campaign and sets up what could be one of the most watched contests in Dhaka’s politics this cycle.
The election, scheduled for February 12, 2026, is part of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad and is expected to reshape the country’s political landscape, with major parties and alliances jockeying for influence.
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