Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 18 Years in Exile

After nearly two decades in London, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has departed from Heathrow Airport and is currently en route to Dhaka.

Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, the BNP leader is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45 AM on Thursday, December 26.

His return marks a significant shift in the Bangladeshi political landscape, following the dismissal of all legal cases against him and the recent change in the country's governance.

The family boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight that departed London around midnight (Bangladesh time).

Upon landing, Tarique Rahman will first visit his ailing mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital.

A reception rally is scheduled at 300 Feet Road in Dhaka, where he is expected to address hundreds of thousands of supporters.

For the first time, Tarique Rahman will contest a national election, running for the Bogura-6 constituency, a traditional stronghold of his mother.

Thursday (Dec 25/26): Arrival in Dhaka; Address at 300 Feet Road; Visit to Khaleda Zia; Return to Gulshan residence.

Friday (Dec 26): Pay respects at the grave of Ziaur Rahman; Visit the National Memorial in Savar.

Saturday (Dec 27): Visit the grave of July Uprising martyr Sharif Osman bin Hadi; Apply for voter registration; Visit injured protesters at Nitor (Pongu Hospital).

The BNP has already established a new four-story Election Coordination Centre in Gulshan. Tarique Rahman is set to lead the party's campaign and organizational strategies directly from the Chairperson’s office, which has been specially renovated for his return.