Following the announcement of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, widespread enthusiasm has been reported among party leaders and activists nationwide. Party sources say BNP is undertaking significant organizational preparations ahead of his homecoming. After a meeting of BNP’s Standing Committee on Friday night, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return on December 25.
Immediately after the announcement, party leaders and activists across the country began preparations to welcome him. BNP plans a massive gathering in Dhaka on December 25, where supporters from across the country are expected to assemble. The party also intends to organize receptions along the route from the airport to his Gulshan residence.
For his security, BNP plans to request Special Security Force (SSF) protection from the government. BNP Chairperson and his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, already has VVIP status and is under SSF protection. Meanwhile, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said the government will ensure the highest level of security for Tarique Rahman upon his return.
Additionally, a bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LC 250 has been imported for his use and registered in BNP’s name. Upon arrival in Dhaka, Tarique is expected to reside at 196 Gulshan Avenue, a modern, fully equipped house on 1.5 bighas of land.
Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, BNP chairperson’s security adviser, said: “If Tarique Rahman stays with his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he will automatically be under SSF protection. If he chooses another residence, BNP will formally request SSF security from the government.”
Party leaders believe Tarique’s return, coming soon after the announcement of the parliamentary election schedule, will inject new energy into BNP’s organizational activities, making the leadership more active in formulating election strategies. It is also expected to boost morale at the grassroots level and enable the party to conduct election-focused campaigns more effectively.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “Tarique Rahman has been leading the party from abroad for 17 years. Upon his return, he will take direct responsibility for the party. On the day of his arrival, leaders and activists from across the country will come to Dhaka and welcome him along the route from the airport to Gulshan.”
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, member of BNP’s Standing Committee, added: “Tarique Rahman will, In Sha Allah, return on December 25. Under his leadership, we have successfully united the nation in past movements. His arrival will give fresh momentum to the struggle for democracy and democratic governance in Bangladesh.”
Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, said: “Tarique Rahman’s return will inspire and energize us anew. We will give him a warm and festive welcome on December 25.”
Nasir Uddin Nasir, secretary general of Chatra Dal, said: “The news of Tarique Rahman’s return is highly encouraging. It brings new strength and enthusiasm not just for BNP but for the entire country. On December 25, we will join party activists to welcome him and fulfill our responsibility to strengthen the country’s democratic process.”
Tarique Rahman left for London on September 11, 2008, during the caretaker government period for medical treatment, accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman. Since then, he has been leading BNP from London.
After Khaleda Zia’s hospitalization and deteriorating health last November, speculation about Tarique Rahman’s return intensified. He posted on his verified Facebook page from London: “At such a critical time, like any child, I long for my mother’s affection. But, like everyone else, I do not have sole control over decisions regarding its realization.”
Tarique Rahman joined BNP in 1988 at the age of 22 in Gabtali Thana, Bogura. In 2002, he became senior joint secretary general and began extensive grassroots engagement with party leaders and supporters nationwide, earning recognition as a skilled organizer and active leader.
During the 1/11 military-backed government in 2007, he was imprisoned and later went to London in 2008 for medical treatment. He was elected senior vice-chairman at BNP’s 5th National Council in 2009 and 6th Council in 2016. Since February 8, 2018, following Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, he has served as acting chairman from the UK.
The mass uprising on August 5 last year led to the fall of the Awami League government. Subsequently, several of Tarique Rahman’s convictions were overturned, clearing the way for his return and prompting renewed discussions about his homecoming.
