BNP leader in exile Tarique Rahman lands in Bangladesh ahead of February polls

Tarique Rahman

• Tarique Rahman returns to Dhaka after 17 years, greeted by large BNP crowds
• Airport bans visitors for 24 hours for Rahman's arrival security.
• Rahman to register as voter, collects nomination papers for upcoming polls

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after spending 17 years in exile, a development widely seen as politically significant following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during last year’s July Uprising.

Rahman arrived from London on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman. According to bdnews24, the aircraft made a brief stop at Sylhet before proceeding to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

From early morning, large numbers of BNP supporters gathered around the airport and along the 300-foot road, creating what party leaders described as a massive turnout to welcome their acting chief.

BNP workers organised an elaborate reception, with senior party leaders, including Standing Committee members, expected to receive Rahman upon arrival.

A short programme was planned on the 300 Feet Road, also known as the 36 July Expressway, where Rahman was scheduled to deliver a brief address. Salahuddin Ahmed, a BNP Standing Committee member and convenor of the “Tarique Homecoming Committee”, said the programme would be limited in scope.

Citing crowd concerns, airport authorities imposed restrictions ahead of the arrival. Officials said a 24-hour ban on visitors at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would remain in force from 6:00 pm on December 24 until 6:00 pm on December 25.

During this period, only passengers with valid tickets and passports were allowed entry, while all other visitors were barred from the premises.

The interim government also confirmed heightened security measures. Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, said the government welcomed Rahman’s return and that preparations were being coordinated with the BNP.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Alam said authorities were making “every effort” to ensure adequate security and to accommodate requests made by the party.

Rahman’s arrival comes amid heightened tension across Bangladesh following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi last week. Bangladesh media reported that the situation worsened after a crude bomb was hurled from a flyover in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area, killing one person on the spot.

Inspector (Operations) of Hatirjheel Police Station Md Mohiuddin was quoted as saying the bomb was thrown by unidentified men. Protests have continued in the capital, with Inqilab Moncho demanding justice for Hadi’s killing before the next national election.

Following the reception, Rahman was scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital and later proceed to his residence on Gulshan Avenue. According to bdnews24, he is also expected to register as a voter on December 27. Salahuddin Ahmed said election offices would remain open to allow Rahman to complete formalities, including obtaining a national identity card.

Meanwhile, nomination papers have already been collected in Bogura for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.

BNP Bogura district unit president Rezaul Karim Badsha said papers were obtained for Khaleda Zia from Bogura-7 and for Tarique Rahman from Bogura-6, with party representatives collecting the forms on their behalf.