Dhaka, December 25: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman received a massive public reception on Thursday as he returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, marking a significant political moment ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Thousands of BNP leaders, workers and supporters lined major routes in the capital, including the 300 Feet Road and areas around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, to welcome the party leader amid heavy security deployment. The scale of the gathering reflected strong enthusiasm within the party ranks and among supporters across the city.
Rahman travelled in a bus decorated in BNP colours, standing at the front and waving to cheering crowds as party slogans echoed along the route. Large banners with messages such as “The leader is coming” were displayed at several locations, highlighting the symbolic importance of his homecoming for the opposition party.
After the reception, Rahman thanked supporters from across Bangladesh for their presence and prayers. In a brief message shared on Facebook, he wrote, “Gratitude to everyone,” acknowledging the overwhelming support shown during his return.
According to bdnews24, Rahman’s arrival has injected fresh energy into BNP leaders and activists as preparations intensify for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. During his stay, Rahman is expected to complete key formalities, including registering himself as a voter on December 27. Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said election offices would remain open on Saturday to facilitate Rahman’s voter registration and the issuance of his national identity card.
Meanwhile, BNP leaders have already collected nomination papers in Bogura for both former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. BNP Bogura district unit president Rezaul Karim Badsha said Khaleda Zia’s nomination form was obtained from the Bogura-7 constituency, while Rahman’s papers were collected for the Bogura-6 seat. Former lawmaker Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected the nomination form on behalf of Khaleda Zia, while Badsha secured the documents for Rahman.
Rahman’s return is being widely viewed as a turning point for the BNP as it seeks to consolidate support and strengthen its political position ahead of the national polls.
