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Bangladesh is bracing for a monumental restructuring of its political identity as the nation heads toward the general election scheduled for February 2026. This pivotal vote will definitively conclude a defining chapter in South Asian history: the 33-year era of female executive dominance. Since 1991, the premiership has been held almost exclusively by the "Battling Begums," Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. However, the rapidly evolving political landscape confirms that the next Prime Minister will be male, marking a decisive end to three decades of matriarchal rule, Daily Dazzling Dawn realized.
While the executive torch passes to a new generation of male leadership, a different history may yet be written for Begum Khaleda Zia, whose potential ascent to the Presidency now hangs by a fragile thread—her health.
The Return of the Acting Chairman-In a major development signaling the acceleration of this transition, multiple highly placed sources have confirmed that BNP Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman is preparing for an imminent homecoming. After years of political exile in London, Mr. Rahman is reportedly scheduled to return to Bangladesh by the 15th of December.
Regarding the logistics of his return, sources indicate that once the final date is locked in, the BNP Secretary General will make a formal declaration via a press conference. Mr. Rahman is expected to fly directly to Dhaka on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, symbolizing a confident return to the national fold.
However, fluidity remains in the schedule. There is speculation that he may perform Umrah before returning. Conversely, the timeline could be expedited; due to the deteriorating physical condition of his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, Mr. Rahman may choose to return earlier than planned. In such a scenario, the formal farewells and ceremonies with party activists and well-wishers in London may be skipped to ensure his immediate presence in Dhaka.
Upon his arrival, a strategic reshuffling of the candidate roster for several parliamentary constituencies is anticipated.While tradition often dictates starting campaigns in Sylhet, a final decision on whether he will launch his electioneering from there has yet to be confirmed. Given the tight schedule, the campaign strategy will utilize both aircraft and helicopters to maximize reach. Mr. Rahman intends to extend his mass outreach beyond major divisional cities to connect with the grassroots at the district level. To facilitate this extensive and secure tour, a specialized bulletproof motorcade, imported from Japan, has already been prepared.
From Online Leadership to Ground Reality-For years, Tarique Rahman has steered the BNP remotely through online channels. His return aims to capitalize on the expected "tidal wave" of public support to propel the party to an electoral victory and government formation.
Political analysts, however, note that the transition from digital leadership to physical presence will be the ultimate test. The future of the BNP’s politics will heavily depend on how effectively Mr. Rahman can demonstrate his political acumen and diplomatic skills upon his return to the grassroots election field.
Coalition Dynamics and The Opposition-Mr. Rahman’s return is expected to trigger a new political landscape, likely revealing new coalitions with smaller parties. The formation of these alliances among smaller political entities may continue right up until the election schedule is officially announced.
Meanwhile, the BNP is not the only force eyeing the seat of power. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, currently visible as a primary rival in the field, are also harboring aspirations of winning the vote to form the government.
Furthermore, complex equations are emerging regarding the ousted Awami League. There are indications that Awami League-backed candidates may attempt to participate in the election under the banner of various factions of the Jatiya Party, suggesting that the electoral math could shift significantly before polling day.
The Question of the Presidency-While the Prime Minister's office is set to return to male occupancy, the BNP leadership has drafted a symbolic yet historic alternative for their matriarch. Although Begum Khaleda Zia has been kept on the party's preliminary list as a candidate for Member of Parliament (MP) in multiple constituencies, sources suggest her likelihood of actually running is low due to her physical frailty.
Instead, a historic plan has been discussed for some time: should the BNP win the vote and form the government, Begum Khaleda Zia—Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister—could be elected as the country’s first female President.
However, this potential milestone rests entirely on her medical prognosis. Speaking to Daily Dazzling Dawn, Nasrullah Khan Junaid, a Dhaka University Senate member and key leader of the 90s student movement, emphasized the uncertainty. "Everything depends on Madam Khaleda Zia’s physical condition," Junaid stated.
If her health does not stabilize, the formalities of bidding farewell to her political career may take a different shape, and the dream of seeing her supporters as the Head of State may remain unfulfilled.
