BNP gears up for Tarique’s return after 17 years

For the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the long-awaited return of their top leader is finally happening. The party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will depart from London’s Heathrow Airport for Dhaka on Wednesday (24 December) at 6:15 pm. Party leaders and activists are excited about his return after 17 years. BNP leaders said the party is fully prepared to welcome him.

Journey to Dhaka

Ending all speculation, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land in Bangladesh on Thursday (25 December) at 11:45 am. The end of his 17-year exile has generated excitement among BNP activists at all levels, from grassroots to central leadership. Many local leaders and supporters have already begun arriving in Dhaka on their own initiative.

To manage the influx of activists, BNP has formed disciplinary committees and volunteer teams. Preparatory meetings and welcome processions are underway at district and upazila levels, and special trains have been arranged on 10 routes. The party aims to turn the airport and the entire city into a gathering of supporters.

BNP senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told Jago News, “After a 17-year hiatus, BNP’s acting chairman will return to the country on 25 December. Half a million people are expected to attend his reception. His homecoming marks the end of more than one-and-a-half decades in exile, naturally exciting the party’s activists.”

Journey and Companions

Tarique Rahman will depart from London Heathrow at 6:15 pm on 24 December. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Biman Bangladesh Airlines is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:45 am on 25 December, after a one-hour stop at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

He will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman; his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman; Abu Abdullah Saleh, head of his media team; personal officer Abdur Rahman Sani; and Tabassum Farhana. At the airport, BNP’s standing committee members will welcome him. From there, he will proceed via Banani and Kakoli directly to the reception site on the 300-foot road. After the reception, he will visit Begum Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital and then return to his mother’s residence in Gulshan.

Security and Vehicles

BNP has procured bulletproof cars for Tarique Rahman, which have already arrived in Bangladesh. Additionally, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LC 250 has been imported and registered in the country.

Special security arrangements will be in place from the airport to his residence, including police protection. Multiple layers of security will guard his home and office, with only authorised personnel allowed nearby. Plainclothes and uniformed officers will provide security coverage.

Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam has been appointed chief security officer to ensure safety from the airport to Gulshan, supported by the chairperson’s security force and a coordinated team of trusted party activists. BNP leaders have held several meetings to ensure all security arrangements are in place, including coordination with law enforcement.

Reception Stage and Arrangements

A stage is being built along a 300-foot stretch from Bishwaroad towards Purbaachal, expected to be completed by Wednesday night. The stage will be 48 feet long, 36 feet wide, and 8 feet high from the road. Nearly 900 microphones will be installed, covering the route from the airport through Abdullahpur, Bishwaroad, Banani, Mohakhali, Jamuna Future Park, along the 300-foot road, up to Kanchan Bridge. The entire area will be monitored via CCTV.

Tarique Rahman will be accompanied on the stage by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman; his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman; BNP standing committee members; top leaders of the Joint Movement; and prominent citizens. Special barricades 25–30 feet high will be set up in front of and on both sides of the stage, with activists greeting him outside the barricades.

Citywide LED Displays

The crowd of supporters outside the reception area could extend beyond the 300-foot road to Uttara-Banani. Over 900 microphones will be installed along key roads, and digital LED displays will be placed at major locations in the city.

Medical Arrangements

For emergency health services, 30 mobile medical teams have been deployed. Hospitals around the airport and the 300-foot road area will be on standby. Dr Rafiqul Islam, BNP’s health secretary, told Jago News, “Millions of activists and ordinary people will gather in Dhaka. We will ensure emergency medical care during the reception, which is a top priority.”

Statements from District and Divisional Leaders

Advocate Bilkis Jahan Shirin, BNP’s organizational secretary, said, “We have arranged 30 launches and over 100 buses to reach Dhaka. Separate cabins have been arranged for women. Activists are as excited as during Eid, eager to see their leader.”

Former Bagerhat district BNP president MA Salam said, “We are guiding activists towards Dhaka to witness the acting chairman’s return. Many have come on their own, and we are assisting them.”

Abhaynagar Upazila JASAS General Secretary Mostofa Kamal from Jashore said, “About 1,000 activists will head to Dhaka. Some will stay in hotels, and buses and trains will depart around 9:00 pm.”

Chapainawabganj Chhatra Dal and Juba Dal leader Hasan Imtiaz said, “Most activists are coming on their own. The Juba Dal has arranged three train carriages and several buses.”

Faridpur Mahila Dal’s joint secretary Choudhury Nayab Yusuf said, “At least 40,000–50,000 activists from our organization are heading to Dhaka. We are eager to be part of this historic event.”

Special Trains on 10 Routes

BNP had requested special trains and extra coaches to transport activists. Accordingly, special trains will operate, and additional coaches will be added to regular trains. As a result, short-distance services such as the Rajbari Commuter (Rajbari-Pordah), Dhalarchar Express (Pabna-Rajshahi), and Rohanpur Commuter (Rohanpur-Rajshahi) will be suspended on Thursday. Extra coaches will be added to other regular trains. Party leaders have instructed participants to comply with the Election Code of Conduct 2025 while using these services.