BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon everyone to take the initiative from their respective positions to rebuild Bangladesh anew.
Tarique made the remark on Monday afternoon after arriving at BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, addressing party leaders, activists, and supporters from the office’s balcony. Hearing of the acting chairman’s arrival, thousands of party members had gathered near the area.
He said, “Whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in, let us come forward and try to rebuild our country anew. We strive as much as possible from wherever we can. If there is litter on the road anywhere, if there is trash, we will remove it immediately. Let us build the country one small step at a time in this way.”
Having greeted party leaders and activists, he requested everyone to quickly clear road so as not to inconvenience the general public.
“Since there is no official programme today. Therefore, let us leave here as quickly as possible. Insha’Allah, when there is a programme, I will address you all.” He also asked everyone to stay well, pray for him and the party’s chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital.
At 4:05pm, the BNP’s acting chairman arrived at the central office in Naya Paltan. Security personnel had a tough time bringing Tarique Rahman’s car in front of the office, having to navigate through a huge crowd. Tarique Rahman’s motorcade had left from his Gulshan residence at around 3pm.
Due to the presence of thousands of leaders and activists on Naya Paltan Road, his motorcade moved forward slowly. However, Tarique’s eventual arrival was met with continuous applause from the crowd.
Upon entering the office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Chairperson’s advisory council member Abdul Salam, and Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel welcomed the Tarique with flowers. Immediately afterwards, Tarique Rahman went to the second-floor balcony and waved to the crowd of leaders and activists that had gathered outside the office to see him.
Tarique Rahman’s visit to the party’s Nayapaltan office on Monday marks his first time at the party central office in over a decade and a half.
Security measures were strengthened in and around the party office area, and the main gate of the office was kept closed, centring on his arrival. Simultaneously, the party office was decorated colourfully.
On 11 September 2008, Tarique had gone to London with his family for advanced treatment after securing bail from the Supreme Court. Due to government restrictions, he, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, could not return to the country.
Tarique Rahman returned to the country with his family from London on 25 December after being in exile for a little over 17 years.
