Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday after more than 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, marking a moment of major political significance for the country.
His homecoming has generated widespread anticipation nationwide, with BNP supporters preparing to welcome him in large numbers. Party leaders have described the occasion as historic, expressing confidence that it could draw the largest public gathering in Bangladesh’s history.
Arrival Schedule
According to BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman will travel from London’s Heathrow Airport on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, departing around midnight Bangladesh time on Thursday. After a brief stopover in Sylhet, the aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:50am.
Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, will receive him at the airport.
Brief Public Address
After arrival, Tarique Rahman will travel along the 36 July Expressway, popularly known as the 300-feet road. A short section of the route, limited to one side of the carriageway, has been designated for a brief public reception.
Party leaders stressed that the programme will not be a rally or formal political meeting. Tarique Rahman will speak briefly, offering thanks to the people, expressing gratitude to Allah, and seeking prayers for the country and for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He will be the sole speaker on the occasion.
Visit to Khaleda Zia
Immediately after the short address, Tarique Rahman will go to Evercare Hospital, where his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, is currently undergoing treatment. He will later return to his residence on Gulshan Avenue.
Subsequent Programmes
On Friday, following Jummah prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the mausoleum of his father, BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. He will then proceed to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
On Saturday, he is scheduled to complete formalities related to his national identity card and voter registration.
Security and Crowd Management
The government has imposed stringent security measures ahead of the homecoming. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued public notices banning the operation of unapproved drones in and around the airport, major roads, Gulshan, Banani, the 36 July Purbachal Expressway, Evercare Hospital, and Tarique Rahman’s residence until further notice.
Additional law enforcement personnel, including members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. Help desks have been set up at Kakoli intersection, the airport entrance, and Abdullahpur to assist emergency vehicles and international travellers.
Legal Clearance
Tarique Rahman, the elder son of Khaleda Zia, was arrested during an anti-corruption drive in March 2007 and later left for London in September 2008 for medical treatment. He remained abroad while facing multiple cases, including a life sentence, most of which were filed during the 2007–08 military-backed caretaker government and the subsequent Awami League administration.
Following the end of the Awami League’s 16-year rule on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising, the High Court acquitted him of all cases, clearing the legal obstacles to his return.
BNP leaders said the homecoming of Tarique Rahman is expected to open a new chapter in the country’s democratic political process.
