Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh after 17 years, festive reception in Dhaka

Staff Report, PNN

After 17 years in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh. He arrived in Sylhet from London, UK, at 9:56 AM on Saturday. After a brief stop in Sylhet, he landed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:39 AM, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

BNP primarily organized a public reception along the 300-foot area in Dhaka’s Purbachal. From the airport, Tarique Rahman proceeded directly to the venue. Leaders from the Revolutionary Workers Party, Bangladesh National Party, Ganasanghati Andolan, National Socialist Party, Gana Adhikar Parishad, Nationalist Democratic Movement, and National Peoples Party attended. Distinguished figures, including former Dhaka University professor Nurul Amin Bapari, were also present.

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury (Annie) called participants onto the stage at 11:45 AM. Thousands of party members and supporters gathered from Purbachal, Banani, Kuril Bishwa Road, Khilkhet, and the airport roads. Law enforcement maintained strict security, with police, RAB, and military personnel controlling access, while journalists remained outside the VIP gate.

After arrival, members of BNP’s permanent committee welcomed him in the Red Zone. Shortly after, Tarique Rahman had a brief phone conversation with Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, which was shared as a video on BNP’s verified Facebook page.

Following the reception, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to meet his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is receiving treatment. The city witnessed a festive political atmosphere as BNP leaders and supporters celebrated his return.