Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is back in Bangladesh after nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile. The BNP leader, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, made a stopover at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport before heading to Dhaka.
“Back in Bangladesh skies after 6,314 days!” Rahman wrote on his Facebook page, marking a historic moment in his political career. Rahman’s return is being closely monitored by authorities and political observers, as it comes ahead of a sensitive election period.
Tight Security Measures at Dhaka Airport
Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport imposed a 24-hour visitor ban ahead of Rahman’s arrival to manage crowds. The restriction runs from 6:00 pm on December 24 to 6:00 pm on December 25. Only passengers holding valid tickets and passports are allowed entry during this period.
Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, said the government welcomed Rahman’s return. “We are making every effort to ensure adequate security,” he added, confirming that authorities are coordinating with the BNP to accommodate their requests.
Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, are expected to receive Rahman at the airport. A brief reception program is planned, while thousands of party supporters prepare for a massive welcome.
Who all are accompanying Tarique Rahman?
Rahman was accompanied by his wife and daughter, as well as the family pet cat, Zeebu. The journey from London to Dhaka via Sylhet has been closely followed by BNP supporters and media outlets.
The careful arrangements and restricted access at the airport reflect the significance of Rahman’s return and the scale of expected crowds.
BNP Mobilizes for Grand Welcome
BNP workers have made elaborate preparations for Rahman’s arrival. Roads leading from the airport to the reception venue are expected to be lined with party leaders and supporters. Security measures and crowd control strategies are in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
“This is a defining political moment,” said a senior BNP leader. “We want to ensure everyone celebrates safely while welcoming our leader back home.”
The party expects thousands of supporters to gather, showcasing its organizational strength ahead of the upcoming elections.
Political Implications of the Return
Tarique Rahman’s return is likely to energize the BNP ahead of the parliamentary vote, positioning him as a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The interim government’s careful security planning underscores the sensitive nature of the event and its impact on public order.
Observers say that the homecoming of an exiled leader after nearly two decades could reshape political dynamics, making security coordination and crowd management crucial.