Tarique will lead BNP in national election, Humayun says

The date of Tarique's return to the country is yet to be determined, he says

Tarique Rahman will lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election slated for February 2026.

The party’s Acting Chairman's Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir confirmed this on Thursday at Shahjalal International Airport, responding to journalists' questions upon his return home after attending the UN General Assembly session in the United States.

He said, "The national election will take place in February. The BNP will participate in this election under the leadership of Tarique Rahman."

When asked about the date of Tarique's return to the country, his advisor said: "Since he will be leading the party, it is quite natural for him to return to the country. When the date is fixed, you will be informed."

Khaleda Zia led the party in the 6th national election in 2001, where Tarique played a crucial role in the electoral process. This time, he is set to steer the party in the election himself.

The BNP first participated in the 2nd parliamentary election in 1979 after its establishment. Under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman, the party won 207 seats in that election.

Following his death, Khaleda took the reins of the party. Under her leadership, the BNP participated in the fifth (1991), sixth and seventh (1996), eighth (2001), and ninth (2008) parliamentary elections.

In 2018, after Khaleda was imprisoned, Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Front alliance contested the 11th national election in alliance with the BNP.