BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning home after a long absence of 6,314 days, marking an emotional moment for his party leaders and supporters.
After entering Bangladesh’s airspace aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight aroun 9:35am, Tarique Rahman shared a short message on his verified Facebook page, writing, “In the skies of Bangladesh after 6,314 days.”
The brief post reflected the emotion of his long years abroad and quickly drew attention from BNP leaders, activists and supporters across the country.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-102, carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage, took off at around 12:23am (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50am on Thursday, via Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, are expected to receive him at the airport.
BNP awaits a new chapter as Tarique set to land in Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman is travelling with his wife Zubaida Rahman, his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family.
The return will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders said her homecoming symbolises the close of a long period of forced separation from the country.
Political observers said Tarique Rahman’s return after years of exile may add a new dimension to the country’s political landscape.