Jamaat-e-Islami chief welcomes Tarique Rahman

He had met the BNP acting chairman during his London visit last April

Shafiqur Rahman, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, has welcomed BNP leader Tarique Rahman following his return to the country after almost 18 years in exile.

In a Facebook post shortly after 1:30pm on Thursday, he extended his greetings to Tarique and his family, writing: “Welcome to you and your family.”

Tarique arrived on Bangladeshi soil at noon, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and the couple’s only daughter Zaima Rahman. The family travelled from London via Sylhet on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-202.

About an hour and a half later, Shafiqur posted on Facebook to extend his welcome.

Shafiqur, who heads a party that was once a key ally of the BNP in both electoral alliances and government, previously met with Tarique during his visit to London in April. BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia was in the UK's capital for medical treatment at the time.

Shafiqur had visited to enquire after her health, and reports of his meeting with the acting chairman subsequently emerged in the media.

During the Jamaat chief’s more recent visit to London earlier this month, there were no reports of a meeting between the two figures. While once close allies, the two parties are currently positioned as rivals in the national political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.