Dhaka, Dec 25 (V7N)— In a historic turn for Bangladesh’s political landscape, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned home on Thursday after nearly 18 years in exile. His homecoming was marked by a massive show of support and a warm reception from political allies, including Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who welcomed him in a social media post stating, "Mr. Tarique Rahman, welcome to the family!"

Tarique Rahman’s flight, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, first landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:57 am for a brief stopover before touching down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40 am. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. Upon arrival, he was greeted by senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, whom he embraced in an emotional exchange.

Following his arrival, the BNP leader boarded a specially prepared red-and-green bulletproof bus to travel to a public reception at the 300-foot area (July 36 Expressway). Tens of thousands of supporters lined the 13-kilometer route from the airport to the venue, chanting slogans and waving the national flag. At the reception, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver a brief address to the massive gathering. After the event, he is expected to visit his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital before heading to his new residence in Gulshan. His return comes just weeks before the national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.

END/SMA/AJ