BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile, urging citizens to unite to maintain law and order and signalling a renewed momentum for his party ahead of national elections.
Dhaka: Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made a dramatic return to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile. Landing alongside his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and their pet cat Jebu, he was welcomed by massive crowds in the capital.
In his first address on Bangladeshi soil, Rahman drew parallels between the political upheaval that forced Sheikh Hasina into exile in 2024 and the country's 1971 liberation struggle. Invoking a version of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic words, he declared, "I have a plan," emphasising his vision for a united and safe Bangladesh where people of all faiths and communities can live securely.
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Rahman urged citizens to work together to uphold law and order, irrespective of political affiliation or religion, in light of recent unrest following the killing of student leader Osman Hadi and communal violence that spread across several cities.
He is expected to visit his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Rahman's return positions him as the BNP's central figure ahead of the February national elections, especially as the Awami League faces restrictions under the Anti-Terrorism Act. His homecoming is also poised to influence Bangladesh's relationship with India, which has been strained since Hasina sought refuge there amid political turmoil in 2024.
Rahman arrived from London aboard a security-laden convoy, including a "bulletproof bus" painted in the red and green of Bangladesh's national flag. Upon stepping onto Bangladeshi soil, he removed his shoes and scooped up soil in a traditional gesture of respect. Videos circulating online showed him waving to supporters before heading straight to the July 36 Expressway, where thousands had gathered to welcome him.
In his speech, Rahman stressed national unity, highlighting Bangladesh's diverse population of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. He underscored the importance of safety for all citizens, especially women and children, and called for collective efforts to implement his vision for development and governance.
Rahman also remembered Osman Hadi, noting that the youth leader had fought for citizens’ economic rights and commemorating the martyrs of 1971 and 2024. With his mother’s health limiting her political involvement, Rahman has emerged as the most prominent face of the BNP, and analysts suggest his return could reshape Bangladesh's political landscape ahead of the elections.
Tensions remain high in Dhaka and across Bangladesh due to recent communal incidents and the broader political uncertainty. Rahman's presence, coupled with the Awami League’s absence from the elections, raises the stakes for domestic stability and the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.
Published: 25 Dec 2025, 06:55 pm IST
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