Leaders of major political parties and movements across Bangladesh on Thursday welcomed the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years in exile, describing his homecoming as a significant moment in the country’s democratic struggle rather than a personal or partisan victory.
In separate statements and social media posts, leaders from the National Citizen Party (NCP), Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and other political platforms said Tarique Rahman’s return reflects the end of a long phase of political repression and signals the possibility of a more inclusive and competitive democratic environment.
NCP leaders: Return a product of mass uprising
Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator (Southern) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said Tarique Rahman’s return should be viewed as a milestone in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle for democracy.
In a Facebook post, Hasnat said the homecoming demonstrates that a citizen’s right to return to his own country cannot be permanently denied through state repression. “No matter how powerful an autocratic system may appear, it can never permanently suppress the political will of the people,” he wrote.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam echoed similar views, calling Tarique Rahman’s return a positive outcome of Bangladesh’s democratic movement. In a Facebook post, Nahid said prolonged exile due to political differences reflected a repressive past, while the current environment—created through popular resistance—has reopened democratic space.
He said Tarique Rahman’s return could strengthen multiparty democracy and stressed the need to build a culture of coexistence and healthy political competition in the new political reality.
Jamaat, Jatiya Party extend welcome
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman welcomed Tarique Rahman and his family in a brief Facebook post, writing: “Mr Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family.”
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader also welcomed the BNP leader’s return in a statement, expressing hope that it would help strengthen the democratic process and foster peaceful political coexistence. He wished Tarique Rahman good health and a long life.
‘End of politics of vengeance’
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer and Charmonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said Tarique Rahman’s return could help fill a leadership vacuum created by the long absence of direct BNP leadership in national politics.
He said the prolonged exile highlighted the destructive nature of vengeance-driven politics and urged all parties to work toward permanently eliminating such practices in post-uprising Bangladesh. He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman’s stated “plan” would include steps to restore a healthy democratic culture and eradicate fascism.
BNP leaders and family welcome him home
BNP leaders, family members and supporters also welcomed Tarique Rahman upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior Standing Committee members greeted him with flowers at the VIP lounge.
Tarique Rahman later exchanged greetings with party leaders and was garlanded by family members before heading to a public reception and then to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia.
Across party lines, leaders said Tarique Rahman’s return marks a new phase in Bangladesh’s political journey—one shaped by the demand for democratic rights, accountability and political coexistence.
