Thousands of people took to the streets of Dhaka on Thursday to welcome Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who returned to the country after more than 17 years of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.
Rahman, 60, landed at Dhaka airport along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and close aides, marking his first return since leaving Bangladesh amid political turmoil. He is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment in Dhaka.
BNP leaders and supporters marched on foot from Banani Airport Road towards Dhaka Airport, lining the streets to greet their party’s top leader. After landing, Rahman was received by members of the BNP Standing Committee.
He then travelled in one of two bulletproof vehicles, specially imported for his return, to a large reception at the 300 Feet area of Purbachal, where party workers and supporters gathered in large numbers.
Address to Supporters, Visit to Ailing Mother
At the reception ceremony, Rahman is expected to address the gathering, with senior BNP leaders and prominent party figures present on stage. According to party estimates cited by The Daily Star, the BNP expects around 50 lakh people to assemble for the event.
Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes as the BNP gains momentum after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. (Photo: Social media)
Following his address, Rahman will visit Evercare Hospital to meet his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, who has been admitted there for over a month. The family will later travel to Firoza, the Zia family residence in Gulshan-2.
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The Dhaka Police stepped up security arrangements across the city to prevent any untoward incidents during Rahman’s high-profile movement. His return comes at a sensitive time as Bangladesh continues to witness unrest following the assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.
Authorities have deployed additional forces along Rahman’s route and at key locations, given the volatile political climate in the capital.
Return Reshapes Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
Rahman’s homecoming comes as the BNP gains momentum after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising last year. For decades, Bangladeshi politics has been dominated by alternating governments led by Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.
A December survey by the US-based International Republican Institute suggests the BNP is poised to emerge as the largest party in the upcoming February general elections, with Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami also in the race. Hasina’s Awami League, barred from contesting, has warned of unrest.
Both political developments and personal circumstances appear to have driven Rahman’s decision to return, with party insiders citing his mother’s prolonged illness as a key factor.
