Sylhet: A regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today touched down Bangladesh soil at Osmani International Airport here en route to Dhaka. “The flight on board Tarique Rahman landed at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet en route to Dhaka at 09:56am,” said BNP Media Cell Convener Professor Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the aircraft will leave for Dhaka airport after just making a one-hour stopover in Sylhet. Tarique Rahman returns home after a long 17 years in exile in the UK, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. The flight departed from London’s Heathrow Airport for Dhaka at 6:15 pm (London time) on Wednesday.
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:50am today. Upon his arrival, members of the BNP Standing Committee will extend a warm reception to him at Dhaka airport. Subsequently, he will proceed to Evercare Hospital to be with his ailing mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. A brief public event has been organized on the July 36 Expressway (300-Foot Road), where Tarique Rahman will express his gratitude to the people of the country on his way to the hospital.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that the event is not a public meeting or formal reception but a chance for Tarique Rahman to express gratitude and seek prayers for Begum Khaleda Zia and all citizens. He further explained that Tarique Rahman does not support any activities that could cause public inconvenience and has requested supporters not to gather unnecessarily.
Salahuddin Ahmed also informed that Tarique Rahman chose a government holiday for his return to minimize public disruption. Instead of a large central event, a brief gathering has been planned on a less crowded road. Despite efforts to minimize disruptions, the party acknowledges the influx of supporters eager to see Tarique Rahman after 17 years.
Following his arrival, Tarique Rahman will visit his mother at Evercare Hospital before moving to a newly prepared residence at Gulshan Avenue. Plans for his activities include visiting significant sites and offering prayers, emphasizing his commitment to party and national matters.
The event will also feature medical services and traffic management measures to ensure public safety and convenience. Salahuddin Ahmed expressed confidence that Tarique Rahman’s return would mark an unprecedented public gathering, reflecting widespread support.
Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, BNP’s Chief Security Officer, mentioned that the government is cooperating on security arrangements, ensuring coordination between government agencies and party officials.
The BNP has prepared chambers for Tarique Rahman at the party’s offices to facilitate his leadership and participation in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, where he will contest from the Bogura-6 constituency.
Tarique Rahman’s return is seen as a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political scene, ending a long period of exile. His leadership during his absence has been pivotal for the BNP, fostering resilience and unity among supporters. His return has sparked hope for political reorganization and the restoration of democracy and civil rights in the country.