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Tarique enters Gulshan residence

Tarique Rahman reaches his Gulshan residence after nearly nine hours following his return to Dhaka after more than 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom.
He arrived at House No. 196 on Gulshan Avenue, adjacent to “Feroza”, the home of his mother Khaleda Zia, around 8:30pm.
Tarique, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, landed at Shahjalal International Airport at 11:45am aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-202.
Following a warm reception, he set off for Purbachal’s 300 Feet Road at 12:30pm with supporters.
The motorcade, swarmed by a sea of supporters, moved at a snail's pace, taking over three hours to reach the venue.
Throughout the journey, Tarique stood at the front of the bus, waving to the thousands of activists who lined both sides of the road to greet him.
Upon reaching the stage, he chose to sit in a standard chair after having a special ceremonial seat removed.
Following brief remarks by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Tarique delivered a 15-minute speech outlining his vision for the nation.
He left the venue at 4:15pm and arrived at Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara Residential Area at 5:50pm.
There, he spent nearly 90 minutes with Khaleda, who is currently receiving treatment at the facility.
The family left the hospital at 7:30pm, navigating further congestion to reach the Gulshan residence an hour later.
The house had been allocated to Khaleda following the death of former president Ziaur Rahman.
Recently, the property documents were officially handed over to the BNP chairperson by Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan and RAJUK Chairman Riazul Islam Riju. 

Nahid hails Tarique’s return

National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam has welcomed BNP Tarique Rahman.

Writing on Facebook on Thursday, he said Tarique’s return will consolidate multi-party democracy and build a culture of coexistence and healthy political competition.

He called it a “positive reflection of Bangladesh's democratic struggle” and added that political rights must be ensured for all citizens.

Nahid, a former advisor to the interim government, also wished Tarique’s role in building the country’s democratic future would be fruitful.

Tarique heads home after seeing mother

Tarique Rahman departed Evercare Hospital and headed for his Gulshan residence after spending around 90 minutes with his mother Khaleda Zia.

His wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman arrived at the hospital at 5:50pm. 

Tarique, who reached the hospital shortly after concluding a reception at 300 Feet Road, left in the same vehicle, accompanied by his wife and daughter. 

‘Agents of hegemonic forces are plotting’: Tarique

Tarique Rahman said “agents of hegemonic forces” were still engaged in covert plots against Bangladesh, urging patience and vigilance, particularly from the younger generation.

Speaking to the nation at Dhaka’s 300 Feet after returning home from about 18 years in exile in the UK, Tarique called on youth to shoulder the responsibility of leading the country forward. He said Bangladesh must be rebuilt on firm democratic foundations and a strong economic base.

Addressing the crowd, he referred to the recent killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, describing him as a brave member of the “’24 movement” who had sought the establishment of democracy and the restoration of democratic and economic rights for the people.

Tarique said the blood of those martyred in the ’24 movement, including Hadi, those killed in 1971, and victims of enforced disappearances and killings during periods of “autocracy” must not go in vain. 

He urged collective action for a “Bangladesh we aspire to build” -- a country shaped together by its people.

Tarique arrives at Evercare to see his mother

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has reached Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara Residential Area after a mass reception at the 300 Feet Road, where a sea of people gathered. 

His mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been admitted to the hospital since Nov 23.

From the hospital, he is scheduled to go to House No 196 in Gulshan. Adjacent to it is “Feroza”, the residence of Khaleda Zia.

As seen from the airport to the rally venue, large crowds also lined the entire route of Tarqiue’s journey to the hospital, leaving law enforcers struggling to manage supporters.

Abdul Hai, a man in his seventies who travelled from Gabtali in Bogura, has been waiting outside Evercare since morning. 

“We know they are from a respected family with a good reputation. There was a huge crowd at 300 Feet, so I am waiting here to see the leader,” he told bdnews24.com.

Tarique opts for ordinary chair on stage

Returning home after nearly 18 years in exile, Tarique Rahman chose to sit on an ordinary chair after removing a special one on the stage where he delivered his speech.

After arriving at Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45am, he was given a warm reception. He then reached the 300 Feet rally venue between 12:30pm and after about three and a quarter hours, delivered his speech, and left for Evercare Hospital to see his mother.

Tarique heads to Evercare Hospital

Tarique Rahman is on his way to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara Residential Area after a mass reception at the 300 Feet Road, where a huge crowd gathered.

His mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been admitted to the hospital since Nov 23.

After spending about nearly 18 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique arrived at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45am on Tuesday. Following a warm reception, he reached the 300 Feet rally venue about three and a quarter hours later.

After delivering a speech of around 15 minutes, the BNP leader left to visit his mother at the hospital.

From Evercare, he is scheduled to go to House No. 196 in Gulshan. Adjacent to it is “Feroza”, the residence of Khaleda.

People want their right to speak restored: Tarique

Tarique Rahman called for collective efforts to build a “safe Bangladesh”, saying people want their right to speak and their democratic rights restored.

He said Bangladeshis want fair rights based on merit. 

“We want to build the Bangladesh a mother dreams of -- a safe country,” he said, adding that everyone, regardless of gender or age, should be able to leave home and return safely.

Urging unity, he said the time had come to rebuild the country together, stressing inclusion across communities -- from hill tracts to plains -- and among people of all faiths, including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus.

‘I have a plan': Tarique

Standing on the stage before a massive crowd in Purbachal on his return to Bangladesh after nearly 18 years, BNP leader Tarique Rahman invoked Martin Luther King Jr’s famous words, telling supporters: “I have a plan”.

Referring to the public’s aspiration for democracy, he said democratic norms and practices must be established in Bangladesh and stressed that this would require a collective effort.

“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, inshallah, we will be able to implement this plan.”

Tarique begins address at homecoming rally

Tarique Rahman has begun addressing supporters at the reception rally on the 300 Feet Road after reaching the venue more than three hours after leaving the airport.

He stepped onto the stage around 3:50pm.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke first, followed by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, before Tarique started his speech — his first public address in Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.

After the reception programme, Tarique is scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital, where his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been receiving treatment since Nov 23. He is expected to later head to his Gulshan residence.

Crowds gather outside Evercare Hospital

After the reception programme on the 300 Feet Road, Tarique Rahman is expected to visit his mother Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara, where she is receiving treatment.

Large numbers of party leaders and activists have gathered outside the hospital, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Security has been tightened in the area, with police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel deployed to manage the crowds.

Tarique takes the stage at homecoming reception

Tarique Rahman has stepped onto the stage at the reception programme organised by the BNP on the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal to mark his return home after 17 years in exile.

Greeted by sustained applause and cheers from a sea of supporters, the BNP acting chairman appeared on stage around 3:52pm, more than three hours after leaving the airport.

Tarique arrived in Dhaka shortly before noon on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

He was received by senior BNP leaders at the airport’s VIP Lounge and later thanked Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus by phone for the security and logistical arrangements.

He then set off in a bus decorated in party colours towards the reception venue, waving to supporters lining the route from Kuril to Purbachal.

Tarique’s return will fill political ‘vacuum’: press secy

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman will help fill a political “vacuum” in Bangladesh and make the country’s democratic transition smoother.

“We welcome him. He is the leader of Bangladesh’s largest party, and his return will have a positive impact. There is a genuine political vacuum in the country, and his arrival will help fill that. With a major election ahead and the country going through a democratic transition, we hope this transition will now be smoother,” he said on Thursday.

Asked about Tarique's security, Shafiqul said the BNP was overseeing it, adding that the government was providing all assistance requested.

'Tarique must change his lifestyle': Shahidul Alam

Photographer Shahidul Alam has called on BNP leader Tarique Rahman to make significant changes to his lifestyle if he is to help build a “new Bangladesh”.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, shared amid Tarique Rahman’s return after years in exile, Shahidul drew comparisons with international leaders he has encountered.

He recalled seeing former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad moving without visible security, and Norway’s former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik washing his own plate at a school event.

Shahidul noted, however, that Bangladesh’s context is different, citing the country’s entrenched VIP culture and security concerns that keep leaders distant from the public.

Photographer Shahidul Alam has called on BNP leader Tarique Rahman to make significant changes to his lifestyle if he is to help build a “new Bangladesh”.

In a Facebook post around 1:30pm on Thursday, shared amid Tarique Rahman’s return after years in exile, Shahidul Alam drew comparisons with international leaders he has encountered.

He recalled seeing former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad moving without visible security, and Norway’s former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik washing his own plate at a school event.

Shahidul Alam noted, however, that Bangladesh’s context is different, citing the country’s entrenched VIP culture and security concerns that keep leaders distant from the public.

"Tarique Rahman will have to make major changes to his lifestyle in the days to come," he wrote.

Zubaida, Zaima arrive at Gulshan home

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman have reached their residence in Gulshan after arriving in Dhaka from London.

The BNP said on its verified Facebook page that the vehicle carrying Zubaida and Zaima reached House No. 196 on Gulshan Avenue around 2:30pm on Thursday.

A video shared by the party showed Tarique’s mother-in-law, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, accompanying them as they arrived at the house.

The residence stands next to “Feroza”, the Gulshan home of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Jamaat chief welcomes Tarique

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, Shafiqur extended his greetings to Tarique and his family, writing: “Welcome to you and your family.”

‘Grateful to all’

After a long flight, Tarique Rahman is travelling from the airport towards the 300 Feet Road for a grand reception aboard a bus decorated in the BNP’s party colours.

The route from the airport through Kuril to the 300 Feet Road has been teeming with people, eager to catch a glimpse of Tarique as he returns home after 17 years in exile.

The area around the reception venue is packed, with supporters arriving overnight and in the early hours despite the cold, while others stand along both sides of the road.

Shortly after 12:30pm, Tarique's motorcade emerged slowly through the VIP gate. Standing at the front of the bus, he waved to supporters lining the road, as chants echoed from both sides.

Moved by the scenes, Tarique expressed his gratitude to supporters. In a brief Facebook post around 20 minutes earlier, he wrote: “Grateful to all.”

‘Leader's back’

Tarique Rahman’s return has been a shot in the arm for BNP leaders and activists, with banners welcoming him put up along roads in different parts of the city.

Some of the banners read “The leader is coming”, reflecting the mood among supporters gathering for the homecoming events.

One political analyst said Tarique now faces a genuine opportunity to emerge as a statesman, rather than remain confined to partisan politics.

300 Feet Road echoes with slogans

Supporters gathered for Tarique Rahman’s homecoming have lined both sides of the road from the airport to the reception venue on the 300 Feet Road, with crowds spilling over in several places. Many were seen waiting in the hope of catching a glimpse of their leader as his motorcade passed.

As the convoy moved slowly from the airport, party activists standing along the route raised slogans continuously, with chants reverberating across the area. From Kuril to the 300 Feet Road, the stretch has remained filled with calls and chants, as one group’s slogans fade only to be taken up by another.

By early morning, the reception venue was already packed with fragmented processions and chanting crowds, turning the entire area into a sea of people.

Jebu comes home

Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh accompanied not only by his family, but also by Jebu, the pet cat of his daughter Zaima Rahman.

Tarique has previously spoken about Jebu being part of the family’s life during their years abroad. In April this year, he shared photos on Facebook showing himself with the cat, and in an interview with BBC Bangla in October, he spoke about the bond.

“Let me be clear — the cat belongs to my daughter,” Tarique said. “But she has now become everyone’s. We all care for her.”

Tarique to end day at Gulshan residence

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will go to his residence in Gulshan after completing Thursday’s scheduled programmes following his return to the country after 17 years.

Tarique boarded a bus from Shahjalal International Airport at around 12:30pm along with party leaders and activists and set off for 300 Feet in Purbachal, where the BNP has arranged a reception in his honour.

After the reception, he is scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital, where his mother, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been undergoing treatment since Nov 23.

From the hospital, Tarique will head to his residence on Gulshan Avenue. Khaleda resides at the adjacent house, known as “Feroza”.

The house where Tarique will take up residence was allotted to Khaleda, the wife of the late president Ziaur Rahman, following his assassination. 

A few months ago, Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan and RAJUK Chairman Riazul Islam formally handed over the house’s papers to the BNP chairperson.

Tarique's convoy heads to 300 Feet Road under heavy security

Tarique Rahman’s motorcade is heading from the airport towards the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal for a reception under tight security.

Vehicles from the Army, police and other law-enforcing agencies are positioned at the front and rear of the convoy, while security personnel are also walking alongside it.

The motorcade is moving slowly, with security forces closely monitoring the surroundings and keeping party supporters lining the roadside at a distance from the convoy.

Tarique calls Yunus from airport

BNP leader Tarique Rahman spoke by phone with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus shortly after landing in Dhaka.

During the conversation, Tarique thanked the interim government for the arrangements made for his return, particularly the security measures.

“On my behalf and on behalf of my family, I thank you. You have made various arrangements from your side, especially for my security. And we thank you so much… thank you so much for all the arrangements.”

He also asked for prayers, ending the call with assurances of future contact.

Tarique heads to 300 Feet

After receiving a warm welcome at the airport, BNP leader Tarique Rahman has boarded a bus decked out in the party’s colours and set off for 300 Feet Road in Purbachal, where the party has arranged a reception for him.

Tarique waved to supporters from the front of the bus as he made his way to the venue.

The reception is expected to be brief, during which Tarique will address party members from the stage.

Tarique steps onto Bangladeshi soil

As he exited the airport, Tarique Rahman removed his shoes and stepped barefoot onto Bangladeshi soil.

He was also seen picking up a handful of earth, briefly touching it in a symbolic gesture marking his return.

Zubaida, Zaima leave airport

After arriving in Dhaka, BNP leader Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahmanhave left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The vehicle carrying them is headed to Gulshan Avenue, where the family is expected to stay.

Tarique Rahman’s return: Live from the bdnews24.com studio

Tarique greeted with hugs at Dhaka airport

Senior leaders of the BNP have warmly welcomed Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as he returned home after a decade and a half in exile.

Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the BNP Standing Committee greeted Tarique with hugs and flowers at the VIP lounge of the airport, marking his long-awaited return to the country.

Tarique lands in Dhaka

The flight carrying BNP leader Tarique Rahman has landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s Standing Committee are at the airport’s VIP lounge to welcome him.

The flight earlier reached Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport for a stopover at 9:55am, before departing for Dhaka at 11:11am. Tarique remained on board during the stopover.

While the aircraft was on the ground in Sylhet, Tarique shared updates on Facebook. At 10:18am, he posted a smiling photograph of his wife, writing: “Finally in Sylhet, on the soil of Bangladesh!”

Earlier, at 9:34am, he wrote in another post: “After a long 6,314 days, in the sky of Bangladesh!”

Sarjis welcomes Tarique's return with call for unity

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has welcomed Tarique's return to Bangladesh, saying he hopes political forces will work “together” to rebuild the country.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Sarjis said Tarique was returning at a critical juncture for Bangladesh's political landscape as the country gears up for a national election in February.

“BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh after nearly a decade and a half. At a critical moment in the country’s political trajectory, marked by the fall of authoritarian rule, changing circumstances, and multiple political shifts, he is coming back today in an important role.”

“We welcome him to post-uprising Bangladesh.”

Tarique Dhaka-bound

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has departed Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport shortly after 11am on Thursday and is scheduled to land in Dhaka around 12:15pm.

The flight had a one-hour stopover at Osmani Airport, the airport’s Manager Hafiz Ahmed told bdnews24.com.

Tarique to contest election from Bogura-6

The BNP has announced that its Acting Chairman Tarique will contest the 13th national election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency, a seat previously held by his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

After returning to Bangladesh, Tarique is expected to complete voter registration, paving the way for his first-ever election run.

He is set to work regularly from the BNP Chairperson’s Office in Gulshan, where a room on the second floor has been newly prepared for him. A separate chamber has also been set up for him at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan.

In preparation for his return and the election, the BNP has refurbished its offices in Gulshan and Naya Paltan. The party has also rented a four-storey building on Road 90 in Gulshan to serve as its election operations office, equipped with briefing rooms, departmental workspaces and a research cell.

Tarique's schedule for the first three days back home

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Later, he is scheduled to go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Shyamoli to visit those injured in the July Uprising.

Back on home soil

Tarique appeared to be in good spirits upon landing on Bangladeshi soil after 17 years.

Shortly after arriving in Sylhet, he posted a smiling photograph with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, on Facebook.

Tarique’s flight lands in Sylhet

The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport around 10am on Thursday.

Tarique is expected to remain on board during the stopover and will not disembark in Sylhet. After the brief halt, the flight is scheduled to continue to Dhaka, landing shortly before noon.

300 Feet turns into a sea of people

Supporters of the BNP have flooded the July 36 Expressway, better known as the 300 Feet Road, to welcome Tarique. By around 8am, the stretch from Kuril Bishwa Road to the reception stage was packed with party leaders and activists, many of whom arrived overnight from across the country and slept in the open.

The atmosphere at the venue is festive, with slogans, placards and chants of “Leader is coming” echoing through the crowd. There is barely any space to move near the stage, which has been set up on the highway’s service lane and carries a banner marking Tarique Rahman’s “historic return home”.

Tarique Rahman left London’s Heathrow Airport on Wednesday evening local time and is scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight via Sylhet. After his arrival, he is expected to travel from the airport to the 300 Feet Road reception.

Supporters have arrived in large numbers from districts including Barishal, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Chattogram, Khulna and Mymensingh, with special trains bringing activists to Dhaka overnight. Processions continue to stream in from multiple directions, some accompanied by bands and music trucks.

A heavy police presence has been deployed across the area. Inspector General of Police Dr Baharul Alam inspected the reception site on Wednesday night, accompanied by senior officers. BNP leaders say they expect a massive turnout for Tarique Rahman’s homecoming programme.

Traffic congestion on airport road

Heavy traffic built up early Thursday from the airport to Kuril Bishwa Road, as large crowds of BNP supporters gathered ahead of Tarique's return.

By around 6:30am, vehicles were seen moving only intermittently along the stretch. Regular commuter Imran Hossain Rana, who travels between Uttara and the 300 Feet Road, said he had “never seen such congestion in the area so early in the morning”.

As the morning progressed, crowds of BNP leaders and activists continued to swell around the airport area, with law enforcement personnel on heightened alert.

From airport to 300 Feet

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s Standing Committee will receive Tarique at the VIP lounge of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

After completing all formalities, he will travel in a bullet-proof Mercedes to the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal, where the party has organised a reception for him. Tarique is expected to address party leaders and activists from the stage.

When will Tarique Rahman land?

Tarique, his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at London’s Heathrow Airport late Wednesday night.

The flight is scheduled to land in Dhaka shortly before noon on Thursday, after a stopover in Sylhet.

Welcome to the live blog

Welcome to our live blog coverage. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending more than 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom. The BNP has organised a reception for him on Dhaka’s 300 Feet Road, where large crowds have gathered from across the country to mark his homecoming.

After the reception, Tarique is scheduled to go directly to Evercare Hospital to visit his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment there. He is expected to return to his Gulshan residence after meeting her.

Stay with us for rolling updates on Tarique Rahman’s arrival, the reception programme, and developments throughout the day.