After nearly 18 years in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh tomorrow, Thursday, December 25. His homecoming marks a historic moment for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is preparing for what it describes as the “largest public gathering in the country’s history.”
Arrival and Reception Schedule
The flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his family is scheduled to depart London at 6:15 pm (Bangladesh time) on Wednesday and is expected to touch down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) around 12:00 pm on Thursday.
Upon landing, he will be received at the airport by members of the BNP Standing Committee. Following the initial reception, he will travel by road to Purbachal’s 300 Feet area, where a massive public reception has been organized. Party insiders expect nearly five million activists to gather along the route and at the venue, where the Acting Chairman is slated to deliver a keynote speech.
Security and Hospital Visit
Strict security measures are in place across the capital. The government has implemented a double-layer security cordon, involving both state law enforcement and the Chairperson Security Force (CSF).
After the reception, Tarique Rahman will head directly to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara to visit his ailing mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Later in the evening, he will move to Feroza, the residence in Gulshan.
Key Logistics & Restrictions
To manage the influx of millions of supporters and ensure security, several measures have been taken:
- Airport Restrictions: HSIA authorities have restricted access to the airport premises for 24 hours (from 6:00 pm Dec 24 to 6:00 pm Dec 25). Only ticket-holding passengers with valid passports will be allowed entry.
- Special Trains: Bangladesh Railway is operating 10 special trains (20 trips) on various routes, including Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, and Panchagarh, to transport supporters to Dhaka. This initiative is expected to generate approximately Tk 36 lakh in revenue.
- Commuter Suspensions: To accommodate the special services, several short-distance trains, including the Rajbari and Rohanpur commuters, have been suspended for Thursday.
Election Bid from Bogura
Looking ahead, Tarique Rahman is expected to visit his father’s grave on December 26, subject to security clearance. He is also preparing to re-enter the political fray officially by contesting the 13th Parliamentary Election. His nomination papers for the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency have already been collected by local party leaders on his behalf.
