After nearly a decade and a half in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return home – a development the party describes as more than the homecoming of a leader, but a moment laden with political symbolism and public expectation.
BNP leaders and activists from across the country are already heading to Dhaka, while public curiosity and anticipation continue to build. Against this backdrop, Tarique Rahman’s adviser Dr Mahadi Amin has outlined answers to 10 key questions surrounding the return, addressing public interest, logistics and political significance.
In a Facebook post titled “Answers to 10 Important Questions,” Dr Mahadi Amin said Tarique Rahman’s return has generated widespread emotion and interest across the political spectrum, raising the prospect of one of the largest public turnouts in recent political history.
Below are the key questions and answers regarding Tarique Rahman’s return:
1. Who is travelling with Tarique Rahman?
Tarique Rahman will return on the same flight with his wife, Dr Zobaida Rahman, and their daughter, Barrister Jaima Rahman.
2. When will they arrive in Dhaka?
The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:45am. Security and protocol arrangements will be implemented immediately upon arrival.
3. What is the programme for the day?
Tarique Rahman’s foremost priority is to visit his ailing mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. However, in consideration of the presence of leaders, activists and members of the public, he will briefly express his gratitude to the nation at the ‘July 36 Expressway’, also know as 300-feet road to commoners because of the road width, area en route. He will then proceed to the hospital and later return to his residence in Gulshan.
4. Why the July 36 Expressway has been chosen as venue?
The venue was selected primarily to minimise public suffering and traffic disruption. Major central locations such as Suhrawardy Udyan and Manik Mia Avenue were deliberately avoided in line with Tarique Rahman’s instructions. Only one side of the service lane of the 300-foot-wide expressway has been designated for a short public interaction.
5. Is the event a public reception?
No. This is not a rally or formal reception. It is a brief programme solely to convey gratitude to the people and to seek prayers for the welfare of the nation and its leaders. Tarique Rahman will be the only speaker. BNP leaders, activists and citizens from various walks of life are expected to attend.
6. What steps have been taken to reduce public suffering?
Twenty medical camps will operate across Dhaka, staffed with doctors, paramedics, ambulances and essential medicines. A six-bed temporary field hospital with ICU-equipped ambulance support will be set up near the venue. Safe drinking water and thousands of volunteers will be deployed round the clock.
7. How will traffic and emergency movement be managed?
Separate bus parking arrangements have been made at key entry points to the capital. Help desks will operate at Kakoli intersection, the airport area and Abdullahpur to facilitate the movement of ambulances, emergency vehicles and airport-bound passengers. Motorbike escorts will assist emergency transport when necessary. BNP has expressed regret in advance for any unintended inconvenience to city residents.
8. Why was December 25 chosen for the return?
Tarique Rahman selected December 25 as it is a public holiday. With two additional public holidays immediately following, three consecutive holidays are expected to reduce traffic pressure and public inconvenience.
9. What instructions have been given to party leaders and activists?
Strict directives have been issued to ensure discipline, peaceful conduct and full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. While acknowledging the spontaneous influx of supporters after a 17-year wait, leaders and activists have been advised to use alternative entry routes, including the Kanchan Bridge, to ease congestion.
10. What is the political significance of this return?
BNP leaders view Tarique Rahman’s return as a pivotal moment in uniting democratic forces amid ongoing political uncertainty. The party argues that the homecoming symbolises public aspirations for democratic restoration, acceptable elections and the protection of national sovereignty.
As anticipation builds, Tarique Rahman’s return is increasingly being seen not merely as a personal milestone, but as a defining political moment with far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape.