BNP’s acting chief set to return Bangladesh after 17 years

Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who has been living in self-exile in London for nearly 17 years, is set to return home on Thursday, local media reported. Rahman, the 60-year-old son of ailing former premier Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a leading contender for prime minister in the upcoming February general elections. He will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman, according to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper. He is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here on Thursday at 11:55 am local time. Rahman will travel by road from the airport.  According to reports, party leaders and activists will line both sides of the road to greet him.