By Admin 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) working president Tariq Rahman is returning to the country after 17 years in exile. Preparations have been made on a large scale in Dhaka for his return. The party is calling it a historic day and claiming that lakhs of supporters will take to the streets to welcome him.
BNP working president Tariq Rahman is returning to Bangladesh from London with his wife and daughter. They will depart from London’s Heathrow Airport on a Bangladesh Airlines flight at 6:15 pm Bangladesh time. This flight will reach Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday via Sylhet.
Grand welcome from airport to Purbachal
After reaching Dhaka, Tariq Rahman will be welcomed by the members of the Standing Committee of BNP. After this, they will go by road to the welcome platform built in 300 feet area of Purbachal. Party leaders and workers will welcome him on both sides of the road from the airport to Purbachal.
Only Tariq Rehman’s speech
A big stage has been prepared in 300 feet area of Purbachal. Only Tariq Rehman will give speech from this platform. Members of the Standing Committee of BNP, leaders of political parties involved in the movement and many prominent personalities will be present in this program.
1000 microphones for speech and live broadcast
Extensive arrangements have been made to deliver Tariq Rehman’s speech to the people. About 1000 microphones are being installed in Airport, Purbachal, Kanchan Bridge, Abdullahpur, Banani, Mohakhali and surrounding areas. Apart from this, big monitors have also been installed for live broadcast. Thousands of posters and hoardings have been put up on both sides of the road from the airport to Gulshan.
Khaleda Zia’s illness and responsibility of leadership
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 80, has been seriously ill for a long time and is currently admitted in the ICU. In November, he had expressed his desire to campaign, but after this his health deteriorated. In such a situation, it is believed that in the coming time, his son Tariq Rehman will take over the entire command of BNP. BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called it a historic day for the party and democracy.
Security is the biggest challenge
The security arrangements regarding the return of Tariq Rehman are being considered a big challenge, especially controlling the crowd during his convoy. On Monday night, a BNP team held a meeting with senior officials of various law enforcement agencies. Due to security reasons, the administration has limited the entry of common people in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area till 6 pm on Tuesday. During this period only passengers will be allowed to enter the airport area.
Arrest, prison and exile to London
In 2007, the military-backed interim government arrested Tariq Rehman. He remained in jail for about 18 months and during this time he alleged torture. After being released on bail in 2008, he went to London on the pretext of treatment. After this, Sheikh Hasina government accused him of corruption, money laundering and the grenade attack on the Awami League rally in 2004. Many people were killed in this attack and Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped. Tariq was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment, which the BNP described as an act of political vendetta.
party operations from london
During Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Tariq Rehman continued running the party from London through video calls and social media. Hasina’s power fell after the student movement in 2024. After this, the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus dropped many cases related to Tariq Rehman or acquitted him, paving the way for his return.
Elections and changing political equation
After Hasina’s resignation and leaving the country, there has been a big political change in Bangladesh. The interim government is preparing to hold elections in February 2026. The meeting of Yunus and Tariq Rehman in London in June 2025 was considered a turning point. At present BNP is considered a strong contender, while demands for a ban on Awami League are being raised.
Possible impact on India
Tariq Rehman has been known for his anti-India stance for a long time. He had said, ‘Neither Delhi, nor Pindi-Bangladesh first.’ He had also expressed displeasure over Teesta water distribution and Sheikh Hasina being given asylum in India. It is believed that if BNP comes to power, the alliance with Islamic parties like Jamaat-e-Islami may increase, which may affect India-Bangladesh relations, border security, illegal infiltration, extremism and trade. Although Tariq Rahman has recently said that he wants good relations with India, but the interests of Bangladesh will remain paramount.