Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday visited his ancestral home “Zia Bari” in Bagbari of Gabtali upazila in Bogura after nearly two decades, drawing waves of emotion and excitement among locals who had long awaited his return.

He arrived at the house around 4:00pm, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman.

This is his first visit to the family home since December 24, 2006.

Before going to his ancestral home, the Prime Minister inaugurated an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Ziaur Rahman Gram Hospital in the same area, and distributed Family Cards among women at the Shaheed Zia Degree College ground.

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He launched the excavation work on the Chowkidah canal at Nasipur around 3:45pm by cutting soil with a spade.

Tarique Rahman also joined several other programmes in Bogura, including launching the Bogura City Corporation, inaugurating the e-bail bond system for seven districts, and other development activities.

On completion of these events, he went to his ancestral home and spent some quiet time there with family members.

The visit sparked excitement, joy and emotion among local people as they were happy to see him in person after hearing about him for many years.

“Our son has come back to his own home… this is our biggest happiness. He came once before when he was not Prime Minister. Now he is the Prime Minister. I just saw him from a distance,” said local resident Akbar Ali.

Another resident, Tuhin Mia, said there had been little development in roads and bridges in the area over the past 18 years, and hoped for more development in future with Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister, adding that Bagbari should be made an upazila.

The ancestral home, known as “Zia Bari,” dates back to 1895 and carries strong family and historical value.

Local residents said the visit has created a festive mood across the area, with hopes for more development.

After the visit to the ancestral home, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally organised by the district BNP at Altafunnessa Playground as the chief guest. He will also inaugurate the Bogura Press Club building and the reconstruction work of Baitur Rahman Central Mosque.

This is his first visit to Bogura after assuming office as Prime Minister following his party’s victory in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman left his Gulshan Avenue residence at 6:10am and arrived at Bogura Circuit House around 10:00am, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.