BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has landed in Dhaka, marking his return to Bangladesh after more than 17 years in exile.
His flight touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:41am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Tarique is accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.
Earlier in the day, at 9:56am, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his family reached Sylhet airport before continuing to Dhaka.
Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key locations in Dhaka, including the Dhaka airport, to maintain order ahead of the return of Tarique Rahman.
BNP leaders and activists began gathering early in the morning at the reception venue on the 300 Feet road, also known as the July 36 Expressway, in Purbachal. After sunrise, supporters arrived in small processions, carrying banners and party flags. They chanted slogans welcoming Tarique Rahman back to the country.
From Kuril Road to the reception stage along the 300 Feet road, organisers put up colourful banners and festoons.
A stage measuring 48 feet by 36 feet was built on the northern side of the road near the Kuril intersection. Senior party leaders were scheduled to take their seats there. Large electronic screens were installed along the road so supporters could follow the programme, while hundreds of microphones were set up on street lamp posts.
Security remained tight throughout the area. Police, RAB, BGB, and other forces were deployed around the venue. Security tents stood on both sides of the stage. Intelligence agencies and members of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s security force were also present.
Tarique’s packed itinerary
According to the programme announced earlier, Tarique Rahman was to proceed from the airport to the reception venue at 300 Feet, where he will deliver a short speech. After the reception, he was scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital to see his mother, three-time former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment there.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced the three-day programme at a press conference at the party’s Gulshan office on Wednesday. He said the party arranged the schedule to mark Tarique Rahman’s return and deliberately chose the dates of 25–27 December to coincide with public holidays to minimise disruption.
On Friday, 26 December, after Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the mazar of his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, and the Savar National Memorial. On Saturday, 27 December, he is set to apply for his national ID at the Election Commission, pay tribute at the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, and visit the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation to meet those injured during the July uprising.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Media Cell Convener Moudud Alamgir Pavel, and Tarique Rahman’s chief security officer Shamsul Islam attended the press conference where the programme was announced. Salahuddin Ahmed requested public cooperation to reduce traffic congestion and inconvenience during the homecoming events.
The party said it held the reception on the service lane of the 300 Feet road to limit traffic disruption. Medical teams and a six-bed field hospital were kept on standby near the venue. Help desks were set up for airport passengers, while additional parking and reception centres were arranged across Dhaka North and South City Corporations.
BNP also issued an apology to city residents for any inconvenience caused.
Brigadier (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam said the government was providing all necessary security support for Tarique Rahman. He confirmed that no request was made for the deployment of the Special Security Force and said the existing arrangements exceeded potential risks.
Tarique Rahman left Bangladesh in September 2008 for medical treatment after his release from prison following the political changeover of 2007. His return on Thursday marks his first engagements in the country since then and a major political moment for the BNP.
