Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh today, ending nearly 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom. He arrived in Dhaka aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London, which landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 11:40 am after a brief stopover in Sylhet.
Tarique Rahman was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior BNP leaders, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, received him at the airport’s VIP lounge, where he was accorded a warm and emotional welcome.
Following his arrival, extensive security measures were put in place, with thousands of police and law enforcement personnel deployed across the airport, key routes and surrounding areas. Tarique later proceeded to a public reception in the Purbachal area, where large crowds of party supporters gathered to welcome him. After addressing the gathering, he was scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, before heading to the family residence in Gulshan.
Tarique Rahman had left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment and remained in London duringthe years of political turmoil. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government, all cases against him were withdrawn, clearing the way for his return. His homecoming comes at a critical moment as Bangladesh prepares for national elections, with the BNP viewing his return as a major political milestone.
