Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh today, after 17 years in exile.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returns to Dhaka after 17 years, receives huge reception. (Pic: X/@tariquebd78)
Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) acting chairman and the elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh on Thursday, after 17 years in exile. His arrival in Dhaka marks a significant political moment following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during last year’s July Uprising.
খালি পায়ে দেশের মাটিতে pic.x.com/Mq71nTxkrS
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— Tarique Rahman Official (@tariquebd78) December 25, 2025
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According to media reports, Rahman arrived in Dhaka from London aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. He is accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. The aircraft made a brief stop in Sylhet before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
— Tarique Rahman Official (@tariquebd78) December 25, 2025
Thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters from across the country gathered near the airport to welcome the party’s acting chief.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by BNP party for his homecoming. Senior party leaders received Rahman at the airport.
As per planned schedule, Rahman will attend a brief reception organised by the BNP on the 300 Feet Road, also known as the 36 July Expressway. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, convenor of the “Tarique Homecoming Committee,” said the programme would include a short address by the Acting Chairman.
#WATCH | Dhaka | BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) supporters gather at the reception venue in Purbachal, as the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has landed in Bangladesh after being in exile in London for 17 years. pic.x.com/nfC8ifF0Ct
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
After the reception, Rahman is expected to visit Evercare Hospital and later proceed to his residence on Gulshan Avenue in Dhaka.
Several airport restrictions imposed
In order to handle the massive turnout, a 24-hour ban was imposed on visitors by the airport authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to a statement cited by media, the restriction will stay effective from 6:00PM on 24 December to 6:00PM on 25 December.
For the mentioned period, entry to the airport will be limited strictly to passengers holding valid tickets and passports. All other visitors and accompanying persons were barred from the premises.
Bangladesh’s interim government also took measures to ensure Rahman’s security. Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, said authorities welcomed Rahman’s return and were finalising security preparations in coordination with the BNP.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Alam said the government was making “every effort” to address all kinds of security concerns.
On Saturday, Rahman is also scheduled to register as a voter. Salahuddin Ahmed said election offices shall remain open on 27 December to allow him to complete the required formalities. Also, he will obtain his national identity card.
For the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February, nomination forms for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have already been collected, as per BNP Bogura district unit president Rezaul Karim Badsha.
Former lawmaker Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected the form on behalf of Khaleda Zia from the Bogura-7 constituency, while Badsha collected Tarique Rahman’s nomination paper from the Bogura-6 constituency.
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