In a moment marked with quiet significance, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday visited the party chairperson’s Gulshan office for the first time since it reopened following the political changeover after 1/11, reflecting both a return and a renewed connection to the party’s heart.

Tarique arrived at the office at around 1:40 pm from his residence on Gulshan Avenue, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

Upon his arrival, senior party leaders, including Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi welcomed him with a bouquet.

BNP Media Cell Convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Acting Chairman’s adviser Mahadi Amin, officials of the Chairperson’s office, and leaders from Bogura district were also present.

After exchanging greetings, Tarique proceeded to his chamber on the second floor.  A separate chamber has also been set up for the Acting Chairman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

Both the Nayapaltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson’s office have been freshly painted, cleaned and decorated ahead of his return.

Tarique Rahman collects nomination paper for Dhaka-17

In preparation for the upcoming election, BNP has rented a four-storey building on Road No 90 in Gulshan as an election office. The building has strict security arrangements, a briefing room on the second floor, seating for various departments and a research cell.

This office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years in exile abroad. His return has drawn huge public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists and supporters across the country.

Hundreds of thousands of supporters greeted him with a massive, jubilant reception, while party leaders hailed his homecoming as historic.