Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing for an unprecedented mass gathering in the capital to mark the homecoming of its acting chairman Tarique Rahman
Party leaders are aiming to turn his return into a historic event of public participation, rather than a routine political program, with a target of drawing close to five million people.
Senior BNP policymakers said preparations and logistics are underway to ensure a massive turnout. Although Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive on December 25, party leaders and activists have already started streaming into Dhaka. Leaders at district, metropolitan, and grassroots levels are coordinating to demonstrate the party’s organizational strength.
According to party sources, BNP activists from across the country have begun arriving by bus, train, and private vehicles. Many are expected to take positions across the city by Tuesday and Wednesday. While initial estimates suggested a turnout of around two to two-and-a-half million people, party leaders said the number could increase depending on the situation. Prospective parliamentary candidates, in particular, are mobilizing the highest possible number of supporters from their constituencies, with party strategists believing the crowd could reach five million.
300-feet area to host main reception
A massive public reception is being organized at the 300-feet area in Dhaka to formally welcome Tarique Rahman. Construction of a temporary stage and other infrastructure has begun, and the area is being divided into zones to ensure orderly management despite the expected huge turnout.
Special attention is being given to the entire route from the airport to the reception venue and onward to Gulshan. Party leaders and activists have been instructed to avoid disorder, untoward incidents, or security risks. BNP leaders emphasized that the primary goal is to keep the program peaceful and disciplined.
After inspecting the stage preparations, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said, “Tarique Rahman’s arrival has now become a focal point of discussion across the country. Even without a formal plan for such a massive turnout, people’s spontaneous presence is natural once he returns home.”
Uncertainty over first destination
Party sources said a final decision has not yet been made on Tarique Rahman’s first destination after landing. Preparations are being made for two options—either heading directly to the public reception or first visiting Evercare Hospital to see his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. However, party insiders expect he is more likely to visit his mother first.
Top BNP leaders and senior members of the party’s affiliated organizations will be present at the airport to receive him and remain involved throughout the program.
Coordination of party and state security
BNP has established a separate security structure for Tarique Rahman’s movement. Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam has been appointed head of party security. Under his leadership, multiple teams, including the Chairperson Security Force and other special units of trusted party leaders and activists, will be deployed.
Simultaneously, the government has strengthened state-level security. The Ministry of Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies said special measures are being taken for Tarique Rahman’s return. Thousands of police personnel will be deployed along the route from the airport to Gulshan, while DMP’s SWAT team, bomb disposal units, dog squads, and plainclothes intelligence officers will also be on duty.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said: “Considering the situation, all agencies will work in coordination, and no security gaps will be allowed.”
Travel details and companions
Tarique Rahman has completed the necessary travel documentation for his return. He will depart from London’s Heathrow Airport on the evening of December 24 on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 11:45 am on December 25. The flight will make a brief stopover at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport.
He will be accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and a few close associates.
Preparation to become a voter
BNP announced Tarique Rahman will register as a voter on December 27 following his return. Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said formal discussions have already taken place with the Election Commission.
BNP leaders believe Tarique Rahman’s return will inject fresh momentum into party politics. Senior figures said his direct leadership after a long absence will energize grassroots supporters and could significantly influence the political equation ahead of the upcoming national election.
Tarique Rahman was arrested following political changes in 2007 and went to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment, leading the party from exile. After political changes in 2024, the path for his return to Bangladesh was cleared.
