Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after more than 17 years in self-exile, receiving a massive welcome that is expected to energise party workers ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections, news agency PTI reported.

Rahman, 60, the son of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a leading contender for the prime ministership in the upcoming polls. His return comes at a time when the BNP is seen as the frontrunner, with the Awami League barred from contesting the elections.