As Bangladesh faces political tension, social unrest and rising fears over safety, BNP leader Tarique Rahman has returned home after 17 years with a clear message of unity over division.
His first public speech after landing in Dhaka focused on peace, inclusion and security, setting the tone for what many see as the start of a high-stakes election campaign ahead of the 2026 polls.
Tarique Rahman Returns After 17 Years
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after nearly two decades in exile. His return marks a major political moment as the country prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.
Rahman, 60, arrived in Dhaka with his wife, daughter, pet cat and aides. Soon after landing, he addressed a massive rally in the Purbachal area, where thousands of supporters gathered under heavy security.
Tarique Rahman Secular Message Amid Rising Unrest
Tarique Rahman’s speech came at a sensitive time. Bangladesh is witnessing unrest following the killing of a student leader. At the same time, outrage has erupted in India over the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district.
Against this backdrop, Rahman stressed unity and coexistence. “The time has come for all of us to build the country together. This country belongs to people of the hills and the plains, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man, and child can leave home and return safely,” he said.
Promise of Safety and Stability
Rahman said security would be his top priority if elected. He framed safety as a basic right, not a political promise. “Today, I want to say that I have a plan for my country… a safe state that people have long hoped for,” he said.
Calling for calm, he urged citizens to rise above political and religious divisions. “Be it men, women, or children, upholding the peace and dignity of Bangladesh should always be the priority. We will all work together and build our desired Bangladesh,” Rahman said.
Law and Order Takes Centre Stage
Addressing ongoing instability, Rahman appealed to people across ideologies to protect law and order. “Whatever political party we belong to, whatever religion we believe in, whether we are non-partisan individuals, all must join hands to maintain law and order,” he told supporters.
His comments aim to position him as a consensus leader at a time when public confidence in institutions remains fragile.
Emotional Homecoming and Political Symbolism
Tarique Rahman’s return carried emotional weight. He removed his shoes outside the airport and touched the soil, a gesture widely shared on social media. Streets in Dhaka were filled with banners, music and cut-outs welcoming him back.
Supporters described the moment as historic. Many see Rahman as the party’s future leader as his mother continues treatment at Evercare Hospital.
Reframing Leadership
Rahman’s speech did more than launch a campaign. It reframed leadership as moral responsibility rather than power. By focusing on secular values and personal safety, he sought to counter growing fears among minorities and young voters.
As Bangladesh heads toward a decisive election, Rahman’s unity pitch may shape the national debate in the months ahead.