BNP Ready for Historic Grand Reception as Tarique Rahman Returns After 17 Years

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set for a historic milestone as Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returns to Bangladesh tomorrow after nearly 17 years in exile. The party has mobilized its entire organizational strength to ensure a "grand reception" that leaders expect will draw roughly five million people to the capital.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55 AM on a commercial Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight via Sylhet, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. He will proceed to a massive reception venue at 300 Feet Road. To facilitate the influx of supporters, BNP has arranged total 10 special trains on major routes (including Cox's Bazar, Khulna, and Rajshahi) and over 100 buses and 30 launches.

A 48x36 foot elevated stage at 300 Feet Road, supported by 900 loudspeakers across North Dhaka and full CCTV surveillance and 30 mobile medical teams are on standby. The party has also imported a bulletproof bus and a specially equipped Toyota Land Cruiser for his security.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has banned visitors from the airport and restricted drone flights from 6:00 PM today until 6:00 PM tomorrow. While BNP has formed its own discipline committees from Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, the government remains responsible for overall security.

The homecoming follows years of political exile and is viewed by party activists as a turning point for the nation. Following the reception, Tarique Rahman is expected to visit his mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital before heading to their Gulshan residence.

As of this afternoon, thousands of activists have already begun arriving in the capital, filling local community centers and relatives' homes. Authorities have clarified that while special trains are operational, all passengers must strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct 2025, signaling the heightened political sensitivity surrounding this event in the lead-up to the next national polls.