In a major political homecoming, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending more than 17 years in exile in London. He was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and their pet cat Zeebu.
Historic Arrival and Massive Public Reception
The family's journey concluded when their Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 11:42 am, following an initial landing at Sylhet's Osmani International Airport. The return was met with an overwhelming response from supporters who had begun gathering in the capital from midnight.
Rahman marked the moment on social media, posting a photograph with the caption, "Back in Bangladesh skies after 6,314 days!" He was received at the airport by senior BNP Standing Committee members before heading to a massive public reception near Purbachal's 300 Feet Road.
"A Dream Come True": Supporters Celebrate Eid-Like Moment
The atmosphere across Dhaka was electric, with supporters describing the day as a festival. Toyeb Ali Babu, a BNP leader from Nilphamari, said, "Today feels like Eid for us." Many, like 60-year-old Ruhul Amin from Mymensingh, endured cold and long journeys for a glimpse of their leader. "For 17 years, I have only seen him on a screen. Seeing him return today is a moment of joy," he expressed.
Parveen Akter, a local leader from Dhaka's Shyampur, noted that around 500 women activists from her area joined the gathering to be part of the historic day. Kawsar, a supporter from Dinajpur, called the emotionally charged return "a dream coming true."
Tight Security and Logistical Preparations
Anticipating massive crowds, the BNP and authorities made extensive arrangements. The party estimated that up to 50 lakh (5 million) people could gather across Dhaka. Rahman travelled in a bulletproof vehicle on routes chosen to minimise traffic disruption.
Security was multi-layered, involving the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the BNP's own Chairperson’s Security Force, with overall responsibility assigned to AKM Shamsul Islam. For the public, the party installed:
- Nearly 1,000 loudspeakers across key areas.
- Thirty large LED screens in the capital.
- Medical camps, mobile toilets, and drinking water facilities.
- Separate bus parking and help desks to manage traffic.
Political Significance and Future Steps
Rahman, the elder son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, left Bangladesh in 2008. His return is a pivotal moment for the BNP, strengthening the party ahead of parliamentary elections expected next year, during a period of political transition under the interim government.
After addressing the rally, Rahman's first personal stop was to visit his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital, where she has been undergoing treatment for over a month. He will then proceed to the family residence, Firoza, in Gulshan-2.
His return concludes a long chapter of exile that began following his arrest during the 1/11 caretaker government. Convictions in several cases during the previous Awami League government were later dropped, paving the way for his homecoming.
