BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed his optimism in rebuilding Bangladesh with support from the people, especially the youth who fought fascism during 2024 July Uprising.
He made the remark while addressing a historic rally in the capital’s 300 Feet area, after returning to Bangladesh from a nearly 17-year exile.
The grand rally marks his first in‑person speech to party leaders and activists in nearly 18 years. He reached the venue around 3:50pm after his historic homecoming on Thursday.
His motorcade, escorted by law-enforcement agencies, moved under tight security, with party activists also seen guarding the convoy along the route.
The BNP leader traveled to the venue by bus directly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. On the way, he, along with members of the party’s Standing Committee, waved to supporters and expressed greetings, thanks, and gratitude.
Following his arrival in Dhaka, excitement swept through the capital as a massive crowd gathered at the 300 Feet area in Purbachal, where the rally was being held.
Meanwhile, at the venue, BNP central leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said, “On this map of Bangladesh, all those who live here—hill people, indigenous communities, regardless of ethnicity or religion—we are all Bangladeshis.”
He also said that President Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy gave equal importance to everyone. The country is built through the participation of all the people living on this land. He further mentioned that dedicated and committed party leaders and activists at the district, upazila, and municipality levels are providing leadership in every unit and are actively engaged in building a new Bangladesh.
Although President Zia is no longer alive, his political legacy continues under Khaleda Zia and, most recently, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, he added.
Venue a ‘sea of people’
Since early morning, a continuous stream of party leaders, activists and supporters has been heading towards the venue, turning the surrounding roads into corridors of procession.
Braving the chilling winter weather, participants – many wearing the party’s trademark caps and carrying banners and festoons – have been chanting slogans welcoming Tarique Rahman.
Hundreds of BNP supporters had taken positions along both sides of the roads near the venue from Wednesday morning. By noon, the rally ground was filled to capacity, with hundreds of thousands of people present, according to party organisers.
The sheer scale of the gathering has underscored the significance of the moment for the party, which sees the event as a turning point after years of organisational setbacks.
After completing immigration and other formalities at the airport, Tarique Rahman met senior party leaders and family members before setting off for the rally venue.
