He’s back

Tarique Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He returned to Bangladesh after nearly seventeen years in exile. His return is being discussed as an important turning point in Bangladeshi politics. He left for the country from London on December 24, 2025 and arrived in Dhaka on December 25. A large number of leaders and activists were present to welcome him from the airport to the three hundred feet road in Purbachal. Upon returning home, he addressed the nation and gave a message of building a safe Bangladesh. He congratulated the student community for their “historic revolution”, which he mentioned led to the fall of the then government.

Tarique Rahman, the prince of current politics, the top popular leader of Bangladesh, has made a grand return to his homeland with immense expectations. After a long 6,314 days, he flew from 8,000 kilometers away and touched the soil of his own country. He was overwhelmed and took a handful of the motherland’s soil in his hands. He was forced to leave his beloved motherland 17 years ago. After a long wait, millions of people sat on the street, ignoring the bitter cold, to meet him once and hear a few words from his mouth. Crowds from all the roads of the capital gathered 300 feet next to the International Airport to welcome their beloved leader. This procession of people started early yesterday morning. Leaders and activists from different parts of the country, including the alleys of the capital, ignoring the bitter cold, reached the reception venue in a procession to welcome this great leader. At this time, all the morning streets were filled with various slogans. Apart from party leaders and workers, a large number of ‘young and old’ people came out on the streets to catch a glimpse of the future leader of the country. Ignoring the bitter cold, everyone rushed towards the place like a stream of water, walking a long distance. Party leaders and workers were seen distributing dry food and water among the people who came to welcome their beloved leader. At a ceremony organized to welcome him, he delivered a speech to the nation. Not a flourish of words, not a criticism of anyone in ugly language, not even a family tribute. This leader of the future Bangladesh expressed his strong conviction for the country and the people of the country.

His father, Ziaur Rahman, came to power at a critical juncture in the country and took charge of the country. He brought a war-torn country to a stable state in a very short time. He set a unique precedent by establishing multi-party democracy. In international politics, he made a splash in the world by mediating the Iraq-Iran war to establish peace at that time. He played an active role in establishing SAARC on the model of regional alliances like EU, NATO, OIC, ASEAN. Although he was martyred in a failed military coup, Ziaur Rahman is forever remembered in the history of Bangladesh for his honesty and strong leadership. Tarique Rahman’s mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, came to politics from an ordinary housewife and served as the country’s Prime Minister three times with a huge mandate from the people. She is famous worldwide as a personable and uncompromising leader.

Tarique Rahman had various charges and cases against him. However, he was cleared of all charges after the recent transfer of power. BNP leaders and activists consider him the undisputed leader of the party and hope that his return will fill the political vacuum. He is going to participate in the upcoming national election and the nation awaits to see him as the next prime minister.

S M Masud Rana

Journalist

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