more than 17 years in exile in the UK, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned home on Thursday morning.

Tarique, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka via Sylhet around 11:40am on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

Earlier, the aircraft departed from London’s Heathrow Airport around 6:15pm (London time) on Wednesday.

Tarique was accorded a warm reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led members of the party’s Standing Committee to greet the acting chairman at the VVIP lounge, where he exchanged handshakes and smiles with party leaders.

After coming out of the lounge, he touched the soil barefoot before heading to the reception venue on 300 Feet Road.

Following the airport proceedings, Tarique left for the reception venue by a bus amid tight security, escorted by a motorcade.

Hundreds of thousands of people, including party leaders and activists, lined both sides of Airport Road up to 300 Feet Road, to celebrate the homecoming of Tarique Rahman amid a festive atmosphere.

They waved the national flag along with the party flag, carried the party symbol – sheaf of paddy, wore colourful attire as well as beat drums, and chanted various slogans.

Tarique’s return will strengthen the practice of multi-party democracy: Nahid

Welcoming the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to the country, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that his homecoming will further strengthen the practice of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

In a post published at 5:00pm on Thursday on his verified Facebook page, Nahid Islam wrote that Tarique has returned to the country after 17 years.

“The restoration of a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader’s right to return to his own land is a positive reflection of our democratic struggle,” he said.

BNP supporters begin leaving Dhaka after welcoming Tarique

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) began leaving the capital on Thursday following the homecoming and reception of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Party supporters started departing Dhaka shortly after 4:15pm on Thursday, immediately after Tarique concluded his speech and the reception event came to an end.

Md Munsab Sarkar, a Krishak Dal leader from Sherpur upazila of Bogura, who had come to catch a glimpse of the BNP leader, said, “We came to Dhaka a day earlier just to see our beloved leader Tarique Rahman once. I saw him from in front of the stage, and now we are heading back home.”

Responding to a question about how he felt after seeing the leader, Nurul Islam Nur, member secretary of Sherpur Upazila Krishak Dal, said, “After 17 long years, we finally saw our beloved leader. We are extremely happy to see him up close.”

Tarique’s role, plans will be closely watched: Jamaat ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami has welcomed the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, describing the development as positive while saying the party will closely observe his role and political plans in the current context.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman told media that a political colleague returning to active politics after nearly 17 years is a positive sign.

“One of my political contemporaries is returning directly to the political arena after a long time, which I view positively,” he said.

At the same time, Shafiqur noted that Jamaat would closely monitor what role Tarique plays in fostering unity amid the prevailing political situation, what plans he has, and how he intends to implement them.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar also said that he views Tarique’s return to the country in a positive light.

However, he added that Tarique’s standing in national politics will ultimately depend on how he conducts himself and the role he plays going forward.

Tarique reaches Evercare, visits mother

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman reached Evercare Hospital in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday evening to visit his ailing mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

His motorcade arrived in front of the hospital a few minutes after 5:50pm amid tight security, wading through a massive crowd.

At the Evercare entrance, Tarique got off the bus he was being carried in and entered the hospital on foot at 5:54pm.

Earlier, after addressing a grand reception on 300 Feet Road, he left the venue for the hospital around 4:15pm.

Meanwhile, Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman reached Evercare around 5:10pm to see Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife and their daughter, returned home from London on Thursday morning after more than 17 years.

The aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying him landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:40am.

Upon arrival in Dhaka, Zubaida and Zaima went to their residence at house no 196 in the Gulshan area around 12:55pm, while Tarique left the airport for the reception venue on 300 Feet Road.

Zubaida, Zaima reach Evercare Hospital

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman arrived at Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday to visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

They reached the hospital around 5:10pm amid tight security. Earlier, Zubaida and Zaima left their Gulshan residence at 4:38pm.

Upon arrival in Dhaka from London, Zubaida and Zaima went to their residence at house no 196 in the Gulshan area around 12:55pm, while Tarique left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the reception venue on 300 Feet Road.

Meanwhile, Tarique also headed to the hospital to see his ailing mother after addressing the reception this afternoon.

What Tarique Rahman said in remembrance of Hadi

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday recalled the contribution of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, saying his sacrifice must be honoured by building the “expected Bangladesh” where people regain their economic and democratic rights.

Speaking at a mass reception programme in 36 July Expressway, Tarique Rahman said Osman Hadi was martyred a few days ago and had dreamed of a Bangladesh where people would regain their economic rights.

“Osman Hadi wanted the people of this country to get back their economic rights,” he said. Read More…

People want to regain the right to speak: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that the people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak freely as well as their democratic rights.

He made the remarks while addressing a reception rally at the 300 Feet Road in the capital on Thursday afternoon.

Tarique began his speech at 3:52pm, opening with gratitude to Almighty Allah for allowing him to return to his beloved homeland.

“First of all, I express my heartfelt thanks to the Almighty Allah. By His infinite mercy, I have been able to return to my dear motherland and stand among you,” he said.

Tarique calls for maintaining law and order at any cost

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged all to maintain peace and law and order in the country at any cost, saying patience and unity are essential to confront any conspiracy.

He made the remarks while speaking at a mass reception event held on Thursday afternoon in Purbachal, on the outskirts of the capital.

“The peace and discipline of the country must be preserved at any cost. Everyone must move forward with patience to counter conspiracies,” Tarique said.

Zubaida, Zaima head to Evercare Hospital

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman are heading to Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara Residential Area to visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

They left their Gulshan residence at 4:38pm on Thursday.

Earlier, upon arrival in Dhaka from London, Zubaida and Zaima went to their residence at house no 196 in the Gulshan area around 12:55pm, while Tarique left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the reception venue on 300 Feet Road.

Meanwhile, Tarique also headed to the hospital to see his ailing mother after addressing the reception this afternoon.

I have a plan for people of my country: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said he has a plan for Bangladesh and its people, stressing that his vision is to build the country the people expect and deserve.

“I have a plan. That plan is for Bangladesh and for the people of Bangladesh. We want to build the Bangladesh that the people aspire to,” he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing a reception programme held at the July 36 Expressway area of the capital on Thursday afternoon.

Referring to American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, he said, “You have heard the name of Martin Luther King. He said, ‘I have a dream.’ Standing before all of you today, I want to say, ‘I have a plan — for the people of my country.’”

He added that the plan would be implemented to change the fate of the people of Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman addressing the reception

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has started addressing a reception programme at the July 36 Expressway (300 Feet Road) area of the capital on Thursday afternoon.

He began his speech at around 4:00pm after arriving at the venue in a bulletproof bus.

As he reached the stage, Tarique Rahman waved to the massive crowd lining both sides of the road, greeting supporters who had gathered to catch a glimpse of him.

Tarique Rahman reaches reception venue

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reached the reception venue on the July 36 Expressway.

His motorcade arrived at the reception venue at around 3:50pm on Thursday.

Heavy crowd slows Tarique’s motorcade towards rally venue

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s motorcade has reached close to the mass reception venue in July 36 Expressway of the capital, adjacent to Bashundhara Residential Area.

The motorcade carrying him was seen moving forward toward the venue in slow pace at around 2:56pm for heavy crowd.

Zubaida, daughter Zaima reach Gulshan residence

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman reached their residence at house no. 196 in Dhaka’s Gulshan area around 12:55pm on Thursday, according to sources.

Police and members of the CSF escorted them to the residence as part of security protocol.

Jamaat Ameer posts message welcoming Tarique Rahman

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to the country on Thursday. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has welcomed him.

In a post on his verified Facebook profile, Shafiqur Rahman wrote, “Mr Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family!”

Tarique Rahman to give brief speech at reception

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is on his way from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the reception stage on 300 Feet Road in Dhaka. At around 12:30pm, he departed for the venue in a bulletproof bus. Tarique Rahman is expected to deliver a brief speech at the reception.

Earlier, after more than 17 years, Tarique Rahman touched Bangladeshi soil. The aircraft carrying him landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday (25 December) at 11:40am. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.

Tarique phones CA Yunus, expresses gratitude

Immediately after landing in Dhaka, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman made a phone call to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus from the airport to express his gratitude.

Tarique Rahman to meet Khaleda Zia; BGB deployed at Evercare Hospital

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet his mother and party Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital. In anticipation of the meeting, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to strengthen security around the hospital premises.

The visit comes as Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh after more than 17 years in exile, drawing significant attention from party supporters and the general public. Authorities have coordinated security measures to ensure a safe and orderly environment during the meeting, considering the high-profile nature of both political leaders.

Red bus with ‘Bangladesh first’ slogan ready at Dhaka airport for Tarique

A red bus bearing the slogan ‘Bangladesh First’ has been kept ready in front of the VIP terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s onward journey.

Party sources said Tarique Rahman will travel on the bus to the stage set up on the July 36 Expressway or 300 feet area where a reception has been arranged to mark his return.

Security measures were seen in and around the airport area as preparations continued for his movement to the programme venue.

Tarique Rahman’s flight tracked by over 45,000 people

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s journey back to Bangladesh has attracted significant attention, with his flight being tracked by a large global audience.

According to Flightradar24, a popular flight tracking website, over 45,450 people monitored the flight in real time.

Fakhrul, Standing Committee members at Dhaka airport to welcome Tarique Rahman

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party’s Standing Committee members and other senior leaders have been waiting at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

They entered the airport’s VIP lounge around 10:00am on Thursday (25 December) ahead of Tarique Rahman’s arrival.

Among those present were Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, along with BNP Media Cell convener Dr Maudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel and other senior party figures.

Party sources said the leaders gathered at the airport to formally receive Tarique Rahman and his family upon their return, marking a significant moment for the BNP after a long period.

Earlier, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman, landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:55 am, marking his first return to the country in more than 17 years.

Leaders, activists ready to welcome Tarique Rahman at Dhaka airport

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have taken positions in and around the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka to welcome party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Since early morning, party supporters have been gathering along key roads near the airport, carrying banners, festoons, and party flags.

Security measures in the area have been tightened, with law enforcement agencies maintaining vigilance to ensure order.

Leaders, activists march on 300 Feet Road to welcome Tarique Rahman

A surge of leaders and activists from districts and upazilas across the country marches along 300 Feet Road to welcome Tarique Rahman

Tarique Rahman departs Sylhet for Dhaka

The aircraft carrying BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has departed Sylhet for Dhaka. The plane left Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 11:04am on Thursday (25 December) and is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:45am.

Earlier, the aircraft arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:55am after departing from London, United Kingdom, and made a brief stopover there.

300 Feet area turns into ‘sea of people’

The 300 Feet area of the capital turned into a ‘sea of people’ on Thursday morning as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years in exile.

To mark his long-awaited return and make the occasion memorable, the BNP organised a grand reception at the venue. Despite severe cold, thousands of party leaders and activists from across the country began gathering early in the morning.

Bulletproof car arrives at airport for Tarique Rahman

A bulletproof car for Tarique Rahman has already arrived at the airport. The vehicle reached the airport shortly before 7:00am.

He will travel from the airport to various programmes in this car, and it will also be used for his transportation.

Tarique Rahman returns home after 6,314 days

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to his beloved homeland Bangladesh with his family on Thursday after 6,314 days.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman, landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport a short while ago, marking his first return to the country in more than 17 years.

Party leaders and supporters described the occasion as a significant moment for the BNP, with preparations in place to receive him following his arrival.