Political situation in Bangladesh

Election important to restore political stability

The election in Bangladesh in February next year is seen as crucial to restoring political stability in the country after almost two years of political turbulence, reports Reuters.

The country has been led by an interim government since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced from power last year after 15 years in power.

Hasina fled to India and has been convicted in absentia of crimes against humanity, but India has refused to extradite her, according to the AP.

One of the main candidates for the post of new prime minister is Tarique Rahman, chairman of the nationalist party and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who returned to the country on Thursday after 17 years in exile.

Candidate returns for election – after 17 years in exile

Tarique Rahman, son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile, several media outlets report.

Rahman is the chairman of the Nationalist Party and one of the main candidates to become the next prime minister in the elections in February next year.

He left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment in Britain after being tortured by the military regime that ruled the country between 2006 and 2008.

When he landed in Bangladesh on Thursday morning, he was greeted by a large crowd that stretched about two kilometers from the airport to a ceremony site where he later gave a speech, writes AP.

- I have a plan for the people of my country. Let's build a safe Bangladesh, he told the cheering crowd.