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Published : 25 Dec 2025, 05:58 PM
On his return to the country after nearly 18 years, Acting BNP chief Tarique Rahman says he has developed a specific roadmap to transform the nation's fortunes, calling for public cooperation to bring it to fruition.
Standing on the stage before a massive crowd in Purbachal on Thursday, he invoked Martin Luther King Jr’s famous words, telling supporters: “I have a plan”.
“Dear brothers and sisters, you’ve heard the name Martin Luther King, haven’t you? He had a famous line: ‘I have a dream’. Today, standing on the soil of Bangladesh, before all of you, I want to say as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- ‘I have a plan’, for the people of my country, for my country,” he said.
Tarique explained that the plan was aimed at serving the people’s interests, driving development and changing the fortunes of ordinary citizens. He stressed that turning it into reality would require broad public support.
“If this plan and these actions are to be implemented, then I will need the cooperation of every person present in this sea of people, and of all those who represent the democratic forces across Bangladesh. If you stand by us and support us, God willing, we will be able to implement this plan.”
After concluding his 15-minute speech, Tarique waved to the crowds before returning briefly to the microphone to reiterate his message.
"Remember," he added, "we have a plan. We have a plan for the people and for the country. In Sha Allah, we will implement that plan through."
Tarique, the elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, left for London after being released from prison in 2008 and spent nearly a decade and a half in exile.
He landed at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport at 11:43am on Thursday aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.
From the airport, he travelled in a motorcade towards the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal, where a reception rally had been organised in his honour.
Beginning his address with the salutation “Dear Bangladesh”, Tarique said just as the people of the country had achieved independence in 1971, citizens from all walks of life -- including students -- had protected Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty in 2024.
“Today, the people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak. They want their democratic rights restored. They want to receive their fair rights based on merit.”
He also called for a country that embraces all citizens, from the hill tracts to the plains, regardless of religion.
The leader’s “primary goal” is to ensure a Bangladesh where any person -- man, woman, or child -- can leave their home and return safely.
Emphasising law and order, he urged people to remain calm and reject violence or provocation, regardless of political affiliation or religious identity.
“Peace and security must be ensured for everyone, of every age, profession and faith,” he said.
He recalled the sacrifices of those killed in 1971, as well as victims of enforced disappearances and killings during what he described as years of authoritarian rule.
Referring to the 2024 movement, he said young people had again laid down their lives to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.
He specifically mentioned Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho, who was recently killed.
Tarique said Hadi wanted democracy and economic rights, and to repay the "debt of blood" owed to those martyred, the nation must build the Bangladesh they envisioned.
Without naming specific nations, Tarique warned that “agents of hegemonistic powers are still plotting conspiracies”.
He urged the public, especially the youth, to remain “patient and vigilant”.
Tarique noted that the responsibility lies with the younger generation to lead the country and build a beautiful nation on a solid democratic and economic foundation.
Urging calm in the face of “provocation”, he concluded with a prayer, asking for divine guidance and mercy to help build the Bangladesh people aspire to.
He also sought prayers for his mother, before ending the programme with slogans alongside party leaders and supporters: “Let us all pledge together -- together we will work, together we will build our Bangladesh.”
