Dhaka (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman received a massive public welcome on Thursday after arriving in Bangladesh, ending 17 years of exile. Thousands of party leaders, workers and supporters gathered along key routes, including the 300 Feet Road and areas near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, to greet the BNP leader amid tight security arrangements.
Rahman was welcomed aboard a bus decorated in BNP colours, standing at the front and waving to cheering crowds as slogans echoed from both sides of the road. Banners reading “The leader is coming” and other messages of support were displayed across the city, reflecting the excitement surrounding his return.
Following the reception, Rahman expressed gratitude to supporters from across the country for their overwhelming turnout and prayers. In a brief post on Facebook, he wrote, “Gratitude to everyone,” acknowledging the massive show of support.
According to bdnews24, Rahman’s return has energised BNP leaders and activists ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. During his visit, he is scheduled to register himself as a voter on December 27. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said election offices would remain open on Saturday to facilitate Rahman’s voter registration and issuance of a national identity card.
Meanwhile, nomination forms have already been collected in Bogura on behalf of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman for the parliamentary elections scheduled on February 12. BNP Bogura district unit president Rezaul Karim Badsha said Khaleda Zia’s nomination paper was collected from the Bogura-7 constituency, while Tarique Rahman’s form was obtained from the Bogura-6 constituency. Former lawmaker Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected the nomination paper for Khaleda Zia, while Badsha collected the form for Rahman.
Rahman’s homecoming is being seen as a significant political moment for the BNP as it prepares for the upcoming national polls.
