Returns from exile after 17 years and becomes frontrunner to become Bangladesh’s prime minister

Tarique Rahman, the front-runner to be Bangladesh’s next prime minister, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile ahead of a landmark election.

The 60-year-old is a figurehead of the influential Zia family and the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

His Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) hopes to return to power in Bangladesh’s New Year elections.

Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, is expected to become the country’s new leader if the BNP becomes the largest party.

Rahman returns after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power last year.

He had been the subject of various criminal investigations while her Awami League party was in power, but all charges were dropped after her regime fell.

Hasina lives in exile in India and her party is unlikely to be allowed to contest the election, which many consider one of the most important in Bangladesh’s history.

Last month, Hasina Sentenced to death for suppressing anti-government protests.

According to United Nations investigators, as many as 1,400 people died in student-led riots.

Hasina, who was tried in absentia, denies committing crimes against humanity.