BNP’s Tarique Rahman Lands In Bangladesh Ending 17 Years Of Exile; Massive Crowd Welcomes Him | World News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief executive Tarique Rahman arrived in Dhaka on Thursday, ending a 17-year exile and launching what party leaders described as their political “second innings”. His return comes at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, ahead of national elections and amid ongoing political and social unrest.
Rahman disembarked earlier in the day amid tight security and will address the nation at 3pm, his first public speech since returning to Bangladesh. Following his arrival, he will travel a short distance to the rally site in a bulletproof bus, and security officials will confirm that the route, approximately 90 meters long, is under heavy guard.
Local media reported that a specially designed bulletproof bus arrived at the CIP gate of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning. The red-green vehicle features large portraits of BNP chief Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and party founder Ziaur Rahman, as well as slogans emphasizing democracy and political struggle.
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Political Importance for Bangladesh and India
Rahman’s return is politically significant, especially since the pro-India Awami League was banned from participating in the elections and Khaleda Zia remains hospitalized. Bangladesh is currently at a crossroads, with rising concerns about radical Islamist groups and escalating anti-India rhetoric from interim chief Mohammed Younis.
In this context, India sees the BNP as a relatively liberal and democratic alternative, despite its history of tense relations. New Delhi is closely watching whether Rahman’s return will help stabilize the political environment.
Commenting on the overall situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said India acted in the right “humanitarian spirit” by not forcing Sheikh Hasina to return. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, he described Hasina as a long-time friend of India and said the matter involved complex legal and treaty issues. “Until a detailed review is completed, India must continue to allow Hasina to remain safely,” he said.
Supporters Flood Dhaka
BNP said Dhaka had seen a huge influx of supporters since Thursday morning, with large crowds gathering on major routes to welcome Rahman. The US Embassy in Dhaka had previously issued a traffic alert warning of heavy traffic congestion due to the planned meeting. Passengers were urged to allow extra travel time, use alternative routes and be prepared for police checks.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the youth protest movement that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, also welcomed Rahman’s return. “Tarique Rahman was forced into exile under severe pressure and threats, so his return home carries symbolic weight,” said NCP leader Khan Muhammad Mursalin. “We will support him on the path to democracy”
Security Concerns and Unrest
Rahman’s return comes amid rising tensions in Bangladesh. Siam Majumder, 21, was killed in a crude bomb explosion in Dhaka on Wednesday. His father, Ali Akbar Majumder, was quoted as saying, “Why is terrorism happening? Why are bombs falling on the heads of ordinary people like us? I want an answer from the government.”
Separately, according to local media reports, the interim government’s Special Assistant to the Chief Home Affairs Adviser, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, resigned from his post amid pressure on the administration to expedite investigations into the recent violence.
Journey Home
Rahman, who lives in the United Kingdom, went to Bangladesh with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. According to local news, the family’s pet cat, Zeebu, also accompanied them.
Earlier in the day, Rahman shared updates on Facebook during a stopover in Sylhet. “I returned to the skies of Bangladesh after 6,314 days!” he later wrote: “At last in Sylhet, on Bangladeshi soil!” The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying him touched down at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport at around 9.58am before continuing to Dhaka.
As Rahman prepares to address the nation and lead a massive rally, his return is seen as a defining moment for the BNP and a significant development ahead of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
