BNP Requests SSF Security for Tarique Rahman Ahead of Return

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally requested Special Security Force (SSF) protection for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, citing high-level security threats ahead of his return from the UK on December 25.

While the interim government has held multiple meetings to discuss the request, a final decision remains pending due to debates over his current official status.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land in Dhaka on Wednesday, December 25, and will register as a voter on December 27. In preparation for his arrival, law enforcement agencies are planning a massive security operation involving approximately 2,000 personnel. Security will be concentrated around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Gulshan area, where his residence—adjacent to his mother Khaleda Zia’s home—is located.

Adding to the security measures, Biman Bangladesh Airlines recently replaced two cabin crew members on Tarique’s scheduled flight following intelligence reports regarding their political affiliations.

While the BNP’s private security force (CSF) is prepared for crowd control, party officials emphasize that only the SSF can provide the "360-degree" protection necessary for the acting chairman’s public movements.