United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has welcomed BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman after his arrival in Bangladesh on Thursday morning In a post from his verified Facebook page, he greeted Tarique, writing, "Mr Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family." Earlier, at 11:44am, Tarique, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, arrived on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London via Sylhet at Shahjalal International Airport. Party leaders gave him a warm welcome at the airport, and his mother-in-law greeted him with flower garlands. Upon arrival, Tarique called BNP Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to express his gratitude for the arrangements and security provided during his return. Afterwards, Tarique left the airport aboard a red-and-green bus for the mass reception venue in the 300 Feet Road area, where he briefly addressed party leaders and activists.

Ending his 17 years in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday, greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event. The BNP leader’s arrival marked a significant moment, as he set foot on Bangladeshi soil, felt the earth and dew-soaked grass beneath his feet, and pledged to work together with the people to build the country and implement his plan for the progress of the nation and its people. The day was dominated by massive crowds, with the reception at the 300 Feet venue in the capital drawing enthusiastic party leaders, workers, and supporters. It took more than three hours for Tarique to reach the stage from Shahjalal International Airport as he waved and greeted supporters along the way from the red-and-green-decorated bus. By around 2:30pm, as the bus entered the venue, chants and slogans echoed across the area. Tarique took the stage at 3:50pm and began his speech at 3:57pm with the words, “Dear Bangladesh,” offering thanks to Allah for allowing him to return to his motherland. Earlier, at 11:44am, Tarique, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, arrived on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London via Sylhet at Shahjalal International Airport. Party leaders gave him a warm welcome at the airport, and his mother-in-law greeted him with flower garlands. Upon arrival, Tarique called BNP Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to express his gratitude for the arrangements and security provided during his return. In a video shared on BNP’s verified Facebook page, he thanked the Chief Advisor for the arrangements and asked for prayers before ending the call. After completing immigration formalities, Tarique stepped out and removed his shoes to feel the country’s soil and dew-soaked grass. He was also seen holding a small piece of soil in his hand. Tarique’s pet cat, Jebu, also returned to Bangladesh with the family in a specially arranged box. Earlier, photos of Jebu with Tarique circulated on social media, and the BNP’s verified Facebook page shared pictures of the cat in the morning. Throughout the day, Tarique shared his journey and feelings on his official Facebook page. He posted at 9:34am as the plane entered Bangladesh airspace, writing, “After 6,314 long days, under the skies of Bangladesh!”

Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after nearly one and a half decades in exile should be seen not as a personal or party achievement, but as a significant milestone in the country’s continued democratic struggle, said Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator (Southern) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Thursday. In a post on his verified Facebook account in the evening, Hasnat said Tarique homecoming demonstrates that a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader’s right to return to his own soil cannot be permanently denied through state repression. “No matter how powerful an autocratic system may appear, it can never permanently suppress the political will of the people,” he wrote. Referring to the state persecution faced by Tarique Rahman and his family due to political dissent, which forced them into long years of exile, Hasnat described it as an open testament to the authoritarian rule of the past decade and a half. “It is important to remember that this return has been made possible by the blood of thousands of martyrs, the sacrifices of countless injured people, and the new political reality created through a mass uprising. This reality is not one of power, but one earned through the spontaneous struggle of the people,” he said. Hasnat said the aspiration in the post-uprising period is for a Bangladesh where dissent is not treated as a crime but recognised as a right, and where no one faces state persecution for political beliefs—instead, the state ensures protection of citizens’ rights. In the new Bangladesh, he said, democracy should not remain confined to the boundaries of elections alone; rather, it must encompass freedom of expression, the right to organise, and a fair environment for political competition. Breaking away from the restricted political space of the past one and a half decades, Hasnat said the country is now moving towards a freer Bangladesh, where ensuring the rule of law and political rights remains the central struggle. Tarique’s return to strengthen democratic practice: Nahid He stressed that this struggle must not be limited to any individual or party, and that ensuring the re-establishment of people’s sovereignty is the responsibility of every politician. Extending his wishes for the recovery and guidance of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Hasnat welcomed the return of Tarique Rahman to the country. He expressed the hope that Khaleda Zia would recover soon and return to public life to provide leadership in completing the unfinished struggle against fascism. At the same time, he said, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the movement to build a democratic Bangladesh is expected to play a role in fulfilling the people’s aspirations and the responsibility of history.    

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday welcomed the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, saying his homecoming would further consolidate Bangladesh’s multiparty democratic practice. In a message posted on his verified Facebook account in the evening, Nahid wrote that Tarique Rahman has returned to the country after 17 years, calling it a positive reflection of the democratic struggle that restored a citizen’s right to return to his own land. “The return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to his homeland as a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader represents a meaningful outcome of the democratic movement,” he said. Nahid said Tarique Rahman and his family had been subjected to state repression due to political dissent, forcing him to remain in exile for a prolonged period. “Through the mass uprising, built on the blood sacrifice of thousands of martyrs, a situation has emerged that has enabled him and his family to return home,” he wrote. Expressing hope for the future, Nahid said Bangladesh must uphold democratic values so that no political leader faces state persecution for holding dissenting views. Referring to the political environment of the past decade and a half, he said the path toward a freer Bangladesh has now opened, with the core objective being to ensure the rule of law and political rights for every citizen. ​​​​​​​NCP backs restoring political rights of ordinary AL supporters: Nahid Nahid expressed confidence that Tarique Rahman’s return would further strengthen the practice of multi-party democracy in the country. “In the new political reality, our main challenge is to foster coexistence and build a culture of healthy political competition,” he said. Welcoming Tarique Rahman back to the country, Nahid expressed the hope that his participation would be constructive in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future.  

Nomination papers were collected on Thursday on behalf of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman to contest the national election from the Dhaka-15 constituency. “The nomination paper was collected for Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami today,” said Md Yunus Ali, the returning officer for Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-15 constituencies on Thursday afternoon. As of Thursday, nomination papers for eight aspirants, including BNP nominated Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, have been picked to contest the election from the Dhaka-15 constituency, he told UNB.   On behalf of the Jamaat Ameer, a resident of Dhaka-15 constituency Mohammad Shah Alam collected the nomination paper from the office of the returning officer at the Electoral Training Institute in the city’s Agargaon area in presence of several Jamaat central leaders, including its assistant secretaries general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair and Abdul Halim. The deadline for submission of nomination papers will expire on December 29, according to the schedule announced by the Election Commission on December 11 last. Till Thursday, the nomination papers were collected for a total of 21 aspirants –13 in Dhaka-13 and 8 in Dhaka-15, but only one nomination paper was submitted, said the returning officer. In Dhaka-15 constituency comprised of the Ward No: 04, 13, 14 and 16 of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the nomination papers were collected for Shafiqur Rahman (Jamaat), Shafiqul Islam Khan (BNP), Muhammad Alamgir Ferdous (NCP), SM Fazlul Haque (Islami Andolan Bangladesh-IAB), AKM Shafiqul Islam (Gonoforum) and Khan Shoab Aman Ullah (Independent), Ahmed Sajedul Haque (Independent) and Md Tanjil Islam (Independent). In Dhaka-13 constituency comprising Ward No: 28-34 of the DNCC, the nomination papers for 13 aspirants were collected, but only one nomination paper (independent aspirant Sohel Rana) was submitted on Thursday, he said. The 13 aspirants are Bobby Hajjaj (BNP), Md Kamruzzaman Jewel (BNP), Kayes Mahmud (BNP/Independent), Md Akram Hossain (NCP), Md Mamunul Haque (Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish), Md Murad Hossain (IAB), Nek Mohammad (JSD), Md Mahbubur Rahman (Nagorik Oikya), Md Sohel Rana (Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP), Shahriar Iftekhar (Ganomukti Jote), Md Ashraful Islam (Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP), Sohel Rana (Independent) and Sheikh Md Rabiul Islam (Independent). Unequal VVIP facilities violate polls code: Jamaat tells EC On December 11 last, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman went to Evercare Hospital to see his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after addressing party leaders and supporters at the 300 Feet venue in the capital on Thursday. Tarique set off from the 300 Feet reception venue around 4:28pm and reached the hospital around 5.54 pm in the same bus he came from the airport. It will be the first reunion of the mother and son in Bangladesh after more than 17 years, though they have met several times in London, including in January this year. Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman, who accompanied him on the journey from Heathrow Airport to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, went to the hospital around 5:10pm. Earlier, while addressing the reception venue, Tarique said, as a son, his heart lies beside his mother’s hospital bed due to her illness. “But I cannot leave the people behind for whom she has dedicated her life in any way. That is why I have stood here today to express my gratitude to you before going to the hospital,” he said. Tarique also urged the people of the country to pray for the recovery of his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara residential area since 23 November, in a critical condition. ‘I’ve a plan for Bangladesh,’ says Tarique Rahman After spending some time with his mother, Tarique is expected to proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:44am, marking the end of his 17-year exile in London. Tarique left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being released from jail during the military-backed caretaker government period and later settled in the United Kingdom with his family.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is heading towards Evercare Hospital to see his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after addressing party leaders and supporters at the 300 Feet venue in the capital on Thursday. Begum Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara. ‘I’ve a plan for Bangladesh,’ says Tarique Rahman After spending some time with his mother, Tarique will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:44am.  

Emphasising the need for maintaining peace, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said he has a plan for the country and its people and sought the cooperation from all for its implementation. “We want peace in every possible way…if we remain united we can fulfill the expectations of the people,” he said while addressing party leaders, supporters and the nation at a reception at the 300 Feet road in the capital in the afternoon. Recalling the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech by African-American leader Martin Luther King, Tarique said, “Standing on Bangladesh soil today, as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I want to say before all of you that I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country.” The BNP leader said his plan is aimed at serving the interests of the people, ensuring national development and changing the fortunes of the country’s citizens. “If this plan and these actions are to be implemented, I will need the cooperation of every person present in this sea of people and of all those across democratic forces of Bangladesh who represent. If you stand by us and support us, Insha’Allah, we will be able to implement my plan,” he said. After concluding his 15-minute speech, he waved to the party audience in greeting and returned to the microphone to once again remind them of his plan for the people and for the country, expressing his vow to implement that plan. In his speech, which began with the address ‘Dear Bangladesh’, Tarique Rahman expressed his gratitude to Allah, saying that by His endless mercy, he has been able to return to his beloved motherland and people through their prayers. Recalling the July Uprising and the Liberation War, he said Bangladesh was independent in 1971 at the cost of the blood of millions of martyrs. In the same way, the BNP leader said the revolution of 7 November 1975 took place to protect the country from the hands of hegemonic forces. Similarly, the hardworking people of the country had reclaimed their democratic rights in the 90s waging an anti-autocratic movement. “But the conspiracies did not stop there.” “Just as the people of this country achieved independence in 1971, in the same way, people from all walks of life—including students, the general public, farmers, workers, homemakers, women and men, and madrasa students, regardless of party, class, or profession—protected the country’s independence and sovereignty on 5 August 2024,” Tarique said. Recalling the martyrs of the July movement, he said a few days ago Osman Hadi, a member of the brave generation of the ’24 movement, was killed and he became a martyr. Tarique said Osman Hadi wanted democracy to be established for the people of the country. “Those who were martyred in the ’24 movement, and those, including Osman Hadi, who were victims of abduction and killing during past autocratic rule—if we are to repay the debt of their blood, then let us build the Bangladesh we have long hoped for.” The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh now want to regain their right to speak and to reclaim their democratic rights. “The people of Bangladesh want their rightful entitlements based on merit. Today, the time has come for all of us to work together to build the country.” Addressing the younger generation, he said the cohorts of various hegemonic powers are engaged in conspiracies in many ways. “You must remain patient and calm in the face of any provocation. At all costs, the peace and order of this country must be maintained.” Tarique said that just as the country has people living in hills, it also has people living in the plains, adding, “Bangladesh is home to people of many religions, including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus.” Expressing his desire to build a safe Bangladesh for everyone, he said, “We want a Bangladesh where any woman, man, or child can leave their home safely and return safely, Insha’Allah.” The BNP leader said half of the country’s population are women while over four crore are young people, around five crore are children, about 40 lakh are people with disabilities, and millions are farmers and workers. “These people have expectations from the country. If we unite today and make a commitment together, we can fulfill the hopes of these crores of people, Insha’Allah.” Stressing the importance of peace and order, the BNP Acting Chairman said, “No matter our religion, class, political party, or if we are non-political citizens, we must ensure, at any cost, that peace and order are maintained in our country. At any cost, we must reject disorder. At any cost, we must ensure that people are safe. Children, women, men, of any age, class, profession, or religion—all must be safe. This must be our goal.” Remembering the sacrifices of the martyrs of 1971, he said, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War had a dream to build such a Bangladesh. During the past 15 years of the autocratic regime, the BNP leader said hundreds and thousands have been victims of abduction and killing. “Not only political party members but ordinary citizens have faced persecution and even lost their lives while protesting.” Promising to uphold justice based on the Prophet’s (pbuh) ideals, he said, “Let us all pledge together that, Insha’Allah, those who take responsibility for running the country in the future will strive to lead it according to the justice exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” Tarique said, as a son, his heart lies beside his mother’s hospital bed due to her illness. “But I cannot leave behind the people for whom she has dedicated her life in any way. That is why I have stood here today to express my gratitude to you before going to the hospital.” Seeking prayers for his mother’s health, he said, “From here, I will go to my mother, the national leader Khaleda Zia. She is someone who has loved the land and the people of this country more than her own life. You are all aware of what has happened to her. As a son, I ask you to pray before Allah today, that He grants her the strength to recover and be well.” Earlier, Tarique arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:44am, ending his 17 years in exile. The motorcade carrying Tarique Rahman arrived at the public reception venue, after nearly three hours and ten minutes, delayed by the huge crowds gathered on both sides of the road to welcome him. He travelled from the airport to the venue in a bus decorated in red and green colours. Around 3:50pm, Tarique Rahman took the stage, waving to party leaders and supporters, and began his speech at 3:57pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed Tarique Rahman to the stage. Before Tarique’s speech, Mirza Fakhrul and Salahuddin Ahmed, the convener of the reception committee and a member of the party’s standing committee, delivered brief speeches. Other standing committee members present on the reception stage included Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain. Leaders from different political parties, especially the partners of the party’s simultaneous movement were also present. Hundreds of thousands of leaders and supporters from across the country participated in the programme organised to welcome Tarique Rahman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has reached the 300 Feet road in the capital from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a bus, and he is expected to briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation. He will offer thanks to people and a short prayer of gratitude for his safe return after nearly 17 years in exile in London. The 300 Feet road in Purbachal has turned into a human sea with thousands gathering to welcome Tarique Rahman. By 8 am, the road and surrounding areas were packed with party leaders, activists and supporters, leaving little space to move. The stage has been set with 19 chairs while members of security forces have been deployed around the stage and across the venue to maintain order. Special trains carrying BNP supporters from Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Chattogram, Khulna and Mymensingh arrived in Dhaka at different times during the night. Supporters still continue to arrive in processions from various points, including the airport, Purbachal, Banani and Jamuna Future Park, creating a festive atmosphere filled with slogans, cheers and occasional band music. Tarique is also scheduled to visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara. After spending some time with her, he will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. A three-layer security system, combining government arrangements with the party’s own special measures, has been put in place at the reception venue. Tarique Rahman spent more than 17 years in exile in London with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. Despite being abroad, he remained actively involved in BNP politics, guiding leaders and overseeing the party’s strategy from afar. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique and his entourage landed at 11:44am at Dhaka airport. At the airport, the BNP acting chairman put off his shoes and touched soil amid the tight security as a video shows it while later circulated on social media.  Being warmed by party’s senior leaders at the airport, a red colour bus carrying Tarique and others is heading towards the reception venue of the July 36 Uprising Expressway where thousands of leaders and activists are waiting to catch a glimpse of the leader.        

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman have reached their Gulshan residence in the capital from Shahjalal International Airport. Zubaida and Zaima reached Gulshan No 196 residence around 1 pm on Thursday, said an official of BNP Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF). Police and CSF members took them to the house as part of safety protocol. After finishing the airport formalities, Zubaida and Zaima went straight to their Gulshan residence, while Tarique made his way to the 300 Feet reception site. Flight carrying Tarique, family lands in Dhaka Tarique will be staying in the house with his family. Earlier, Tarique returned home along with his family in the morning, ending 17 years of life in exile.