Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed strong confidence that the BNP would emerge victorious in the national election scheduled for February 12, 2026, under the leadership of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at a mass reception organised in Purbachal to welcome Tarique Rahman after his return to Bangladesh, Mirza Fakhrul said the party had already overcome its most difficult phase under Rahman’s guidance and was now prepared to win the upcoming election.

“We removed fascism on August 5, 2024, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. We have crossed a very difficult path under his leadership, and under his leadership we will win again in 2026,” he told the gathering on Thursday afternoon.

Mirza Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman had led the pro-democracy movement from abroad for more than 17 years despite repression and persecution. He said Rahman played a decisive role in advancing the democratic struggle of the people during a prolonged period of authoritarian rule.

“On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, we welcome him home,” Mirza Fakhrul said. “Despite living in exile for 17 years, Tarique Rahman continued to lead us against fascist oppression and guided our movement for democracy. After years of suffering and exile, his return among us is a moment of great joy.”

He described the recent phase of democratic transition as the most challenging journey in the party’s history, saying it was successfully navigated under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Mirza Fakhrul also sought prayers for both Tarique Rahman and BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. He said the party aimed to win the February 12 election to restore democracy, establish the rule of law and implement Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda.

“We pray that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership we can win the election, restore democracy, ensure the rule of law and implement his 31-point programme for the people,” he said.

At the same event, Tarique Rahman addressed supporters and warned that conspiracies by what he described as agents of hegemonic forces were still continuing. He urged party leaders and activists to remain patient and disciplined in the face of provocation.

“We must show patience and restraint,” he said. “The young generation will lead the country in the future and rebuild it. Today, the responsibility lies with the youth to help build Bangladesh on a strong democratic foundation.”

Referring to recent violence, Tarique Rahman mentioned the killing of Osman Hadi, a young activist associated with the 2024 movement, describing him as a brave member of the new generation who wanted democratic rights and economic justice for the people.

“Hadi wanted democracy to be established and people to regain their democratic and economic rights,” he said. “If we want to repay the blood debt of Osman Hadi, the martyrs of 1971 and those who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the previous government, we must build the Bangladesh they dreamed of.”

He called for unity and collective effort to build a democratic and just state where people from all backgrounds can work together.

Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight BG-202 carrying him landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly before noon on Thursday. After completing brief formalities, he proceeded to the reception venue in the Purbachal 300 Feet area, arriving there around 3:45pm.

Following the reception, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital to meet his mother Khaleda Zia.

Earlier, the same aircraft had landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport in the morning. Ahead of his arrival, Tarique Rahman wrote an emotional message on his verified Facebook page, saying, “In the skies of Bangladesh after 6,314 days.”

The flight departed London’s Heathrow Airport shortly after midnight Bangladesh time on Wednesday. Tarique Rahman left his London residence on Wednesday evening local time, travelling with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman before boarding the flight for Dhaka.