BNP Acting Chief Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years in Exile

Dhaka [Bangladesh], Dec 25: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after spending 17 years in exile, marking a significant political moment in the country following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during last year’s July Uprising.

Rahman arrived from London on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. The flight made a stopover in Sylhet before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, according to bdnews24.

A massive crowd of BNP leaders and supporters gathered near the airport and along the 300 Feet Road to welcome the party’s acting chief. Party workers from across the country assembled since morning, turning the area into a sea of supporters, while senior BNP leaders, including members of the Standing Committee, were present to receive him.

Anticipating large crowds, airport authorities imposed a 24-hour restriction on visitors at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from 6 pm on December 24 to 6 pm on December 25. During this period, only passengers with valid tickets and passports were allowed entry, while all other visitors were barred, officials said.

The interim government has also made extensive security arrangements for Rahman’s return. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government welcomed Rahman’s homecoming and was coordinating with the BNP to ensure adequate security, adding that authorities were making every effort to meet the party’s requests.

Following his arrival, Rahman was scheduled to attend a brief reception organised by the BNP on the 300 Feet Road, also known as the 36 July Expressway, where he is expected to address party supporters. He will later visit Evercare Hospital and proceed to his residence at Gulshan Avenue in Dhaka.

During his stay, Rahman is also set to register himself as a voter on December 27. BNP leaders said election offices would remain open on Saturday to facilitate his voter registration and issuance of a national identity card.

Meanwhile, nomination papers for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12 have already been collected on behalf of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman from Bogura constituencies, party leaders said. (Agencies)