Tarique Rahman Applies for Travel Pass Ahead of Bangladesh Return

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has formally applied for a travel pass to return to Bangladesh on 25 December. The application was submitted at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, according to sources from the United Kingdom on Thursday evening.

Tarique Rahman, who has been living in political exile in London for years, has not been able to renew his Bangladeshi passport since its expiry. Although there was an opportunity to do so following last year’s political upheaval that saw a change in government, he did not apply for passport renewal at the time. Consequently, under current regulations, he must obtain a travel pass to re-enter Bangladesh.

Last month, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, clarified in response to journalists’ questions that Tarique Rahman faces no legal restrictions to return. He explained that a travel pass can be issued in a single day for individuals whose passports are expired or unavailable, allowing them a one-time entry into the country. “The rule is that when someone does not have a valid passport, we issue a one-time travel pass. It takes one day to process. If he applies today, he may be able to board a flight the next day. There is no difficulty,” he said.

BNP sources have confirmed that Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom on 25 December, marking his first visit in more than 17 years. He is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 11:55 am.

In preparation for his homecoming, the BNP is organising a series of special arrangements to commemorate the occasion. Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee, stated, “We want Tarique Rahman’s return to be a historic event that surpasses any precedent in the past 55 years and becomes a landmark in Bangladesh’s history for the next 55 years. All our preparations are aimed at making it memorable.”

Tarique Rahman’s return also holds personal significance. His mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since 23 November. Upon arrival, Tarique is expected to proceed directly to the hospital to visit her. To facilitate both his reception and the hospital visit, BNP officials are identifying suitable locations near the airport and Evercare Hospital for an official welcome.

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