Dhaka, Dec. 1 -- Tarique Rahman's long-anticipated return to Bangladesh appears closer than ever, with senior BNP leaders saying the party chief intends to fly home "within weeks" as the Election Commission moves to announce the schedule for the upcoming general election.

The Commission's declaration-expected in the second week of December-has sharpened political attention on Rahman's next move, deepening speculation over whether he will finally break his 16-year exile to lead the BNP's campaign.

The announcement injected fresh urgency into a political season already charged with speculation over whether Rahman will fly home.

BNP insiders insist he intends to return "within this month," and multiple senior leaders say that once the sch...