BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman Sets Foot on Homeland After Seventeen Years

For the first time in seventeen years, Tarique Rahman set foot on Bangladeshi soil, marking a highly anticipated moment in national politics and public discourse. His arrival came on Thursday, 25 December, when the aircraft carrying him touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at precisely 11:40 am. Accompanying him were his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman – both of whom have also been away from Bangladesh for many years.

Earlier that morning, at 9:55 am, the same aircraft landed briefly at Sylhet Osmani International Airport before continuing onward to Dhaka. The journey originated from London Heathrow, with the family departing the previous evening at 6:15 pm local time. As the plane entered Bangladeshi airspace, Tarique expressed emotional sentiments to the nation through a post on his verified Facebook page, writing: “After 6,314 long days, I am once again under the skies of Bangladesh.” The statement quickly circulated across social media, adding to the charged anticipation surrounding his return.

Below is a timeline of the journey as reported:

To welcome the BNP leader, a grand reception programme was arranged at the 36 July Expressway – formerly known as the 300 Feet Road – in the capital. Reports indicated that people had begun gathering around the venue from the previous night, turning the entire stretch into a sea of crowds. By Thursday morning, the area was filled with supporters and curious citizens awaiting a glimpse of Rahman.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the nation had waited long for this moment, calling the day potentially “one of the most memorable events in 55 years of Bangladesh’s political history.” He expressed hope that the return would mark a significant chapter for the party and its supporters.

From the airport, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel directly to the reception ground, where he is expected to deliver a brief message of gratitude. Later in the day, he is set to visit BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at the hospital before proceeding to his residence in Gulshan.

With millions reportedly following the developments both at home and abroad, the return of Tarique Rahman stands not only as a political milestone but also as an emotional homecoming after nearly two decades away.