Finally, the long wait of BNP leaders and supporters is ending. The party’s leader and their beloved figure, Tarique Rahman, will be returning to the country soon.
Recently, in a call for unity among party workers, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, said, “I’ll see you all directly very soon. We will take the country forward by earning the trust of the people, and for that, we must remain united.”
Before this, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the people of the entire country are eagerly awaiting two things. One is the upcoming general election, but before that, they are waiting for Tarique Rahman’s return.
He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman would return to the country soon. Meanwhile, the party's National Standing Committee member, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, has said that Tarique Rahman will return within the next few weeks. He said that the party's acting chairman would return to the country within a few weeks and long before the national election. He will lead the party in the upcoming election from within the country.
Various preparations are being made by the party for Tarique Rahman's arrival. This is a recurring topic of discussion in political circles. Although no specific date has been set for Tarique Rahman's return, BNP leaders in Dhaka say he will be back in a short time.
Necessary preparations are being made for his homecoming. If everything goes well, there is a possibility that Tarique Rahman will return either immediately with the announcement of the national election schedule or in late October or early November.
After the return of this top leader, necessary preparations are being made regarding his security, residence, political office, and other matters. Multiple reliable sources say that the BNP is ready to give their top leader a public reception in the country. The decision is being made considering various aspects, including the date of the next national election, the country's political situation, and personal security.
Therefore, they are also examining what time would be most fruitful for his return, both for the political gains of the BNP and for Tarique Rahman himself.
There is a strong discussion among party workers about Tarique Rahman's return coinciding with the election schedule announcement. The BNP plans to hold a large rally in Dhaka to welcome him. Tarique Rahman might be present in person at that rally.
Speaking with relevant leaders, it's known that the BNP wants to make Tarique Rahman's homecoming memorable. The party plans to organize the largest gathering at the airport and across the capital on that day. In that case, the BNP has a plan for a massive show of strength at the airport and in Dhaka. In this situation, there are several discussions about the possible time of Tarique Rahman's return. Concerned individuals have said that it could be right before the announcement of the next national election schedule or immediately after.
It is hoped that by returning at this time, he will create a momentum for the party and play a role in achieving good results in the election. The BNP has various thoughts about the date of Tarique Rahman's return.
It is believed that after his return, Tarique Rahman will stay at house number 196 on Gulshan-2 Avenue. In 1981, after the death of President Ziaur Rahman, the then government allocated this house to his wife, Begum Khaleda Zia. The interim government recently completed the transfer of the house's title and handed over the related documents to Khaleda Zia.
Begum Khaleda Zia lives in the adjacent house, Firoza, which she rents. House number 196 in Gulshan was leased to British-American Tobacco Bangladesh. The company vacated the house earlier this year.
Now, necessary renovations, including painting the inside and outside of the house, are underway. Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007, during the caretaker government of Fakhruddin-Moeen Uddin. He was released on bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family for medical treatment on September 11. He later sought political asylum there. He has been living in London, UK, for nearly 17 years.
In the meantime, when BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned on February 8, 2018, Tarique Rahman took on the responsibility of the party's acting chairman. After the fall of the Awami League government in a student-people's mass uprising on August 5, 2024, Tarique Rahman was gradually acquitted of almost all the cases filed against him.
The interim government's Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has said that there is no obstruction from the government for his return.
In this regard, BNP's Joint Secretary General and Media Cell Member Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that the party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return soon. Preparations for his arrival are being made not only within the party but also at a national level. He said, "Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh as a hero."
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
