Tarique Rahman Returns Home After 17 Years in Exile

After spending nearly 17 years in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has finally begun his journey back to Bangladesh. On Wednesday night (December 24), he departed London’s Heathrow Airport aboard a scheduled Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Dhaka.

The national carrier’s Boeing 787-6 Dreamliner (Flight BG-202) took off around 12:15 a.m. Bangladesh time. Tarique Rahman is accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman. Party sources confirmed that the family is travelling in business class.

Earlier, at 8:05 p.m. Bangladesh time, Tarique Rahman left his London residence with family members to head for the airport.

Stopover in Sylhet, Arrival in Dhaka at 11:20 a.m.

At a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, BNP Standing Committee member and Convener of the Homecoming Committee, Salahuddin Ahmed, confirmed the travel details.

He stated that the flight carrying Tarique Rahman would make a brief stopover at Sylhet International Airport on Thursday morning before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at approximately 11:20 a.m.

“Our leader has departed London on a scheduled Biman flight. Insha’Allah, after a stopover in Sylhet, he will arrive in Dhaka tomorrow morning,” Salahuddin said.

Reception and Brief Public Program

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will officially receive Tarique Rahman at the airport.

Following his arrival, he will travel by road to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where BNP Chairperson and his mother, Khaleda Zia, is currently undergoing treatment. On the way, he will attend a brief reception program near the Kuril–Purbachal Expressway.

According to party leaders, Tarique Rahman will address the nation briefly, expressing gratitude to the people and offering thanks to Almighty Allah.

Residence in Gulshan and Tight Security Measures

After visiting Evercare Hospital, Tarique Rahman will proceed to House No. 196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he is expected to stay.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place for his return. Alongside government security, BNP has implemented its own special measures. A three-layer security perimeter has been established around the reception stage set up on the 300-feet road in Purbachal.

Brigadier General (Retd.) AKM Shamsul Islam, chief security coordinator for Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, stated,
“The party has ensured maximum security arrangements, and all necessary measures will be fully enforced.”