United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (December 14, 2025) said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be given an unprecedented public reception on his return to Dhaka from London, unlike any reception given to a political leader in the past. “I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Almighty Allah that after living in exile for a long 18 years, our leader, Insh’Allah, will return to us on December 25. This is a great source of inspiration for us,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks at a discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium in Kakrail. “Let us welcome him on December 25 in such a way that no leader in Bangladesh has ever received before. We are all prepared, Inshallah,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile Referring to Tarique Rahman’s return, Fakhrul said the news has brought reassurance at a time of great anxiety. “On one hand, our leader and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and undergoing treatment in hospital. On the other hand, amid uncertainty, Tarique Rahman is the guiding light who shows us the way forward, and he will be among us on the 25th,” he said. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Abdus Salam and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, party Liberation War Affairs Secretary (retd) Lt Col Zainul Abedin, and several leaders of the Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddho Projonmo addressed the meeting. Earlier on Friday night, Fakhrul at a press conference announced that the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of exile. Read more: Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night (December 12, 2025) said the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on 25 December, ending nearly 18 years of exile. “It is with great joy that I inform you that our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman – the most beloved leader of millions, who has been in exile for almost 18 years and has led the democratic movement for more than a decade – will arrive in Dhaka on 25 December,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul expressed hope that Tarique’s return would help remove obstacles on the path to democracy. “We believe that once our Acting Chairman returns home, the barriers placed before the democratic transition will begin to disappear,” he added. Read more: Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Fakhrul said the news of Tarique’s homecoming would bring a “message of relief” for the entire nation. He also said their party welcomes Tarique’s return with “great happiness” and wants to share that joy with the entire country. Referring to a meeting in London between the BNP Acting Chairman and the Chief Adviser, Fakhrul said it was decided that the national parliamentary election would be held within February, which removed all doubts regarding the election. “With the announcement of the election schedule yesterday, the electoral process has started, and people across the country now have hopes that it will be carried out,” he added. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. During the last Awami League government, he was sentenced in five different cases in his absence, while around 100 cases were filed against him. Read more: BNP announces nationwide protests for Saturday over attack on Hadi But after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, he was cleared of all charges through legal processes. Now, he has no cases pending against him. Fakhrul condemned the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, calling it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election”. “The incident shows that evil forces are working to disrupt the election. We strongly condemn the attack and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,” he said. Fakhrul also criticised the behaviour of supporters of a political party at Dhaka Medical College Hospital when BNP leader Mirza Abbas went there after hearing about the attack on Hadi. “I cannot remain silent on this. Our Standing Committee senior member and long-time BNP leader, Mirza Abbas, who is a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, naturally went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital upon hearing the news of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi being shot, to show his sympathy as a political leader,” he said. But, unfortunately, Fakhrul said, some individuals and supporters of that party, along with a few conspirators, gathered there, shouted provocative slogans, and at one point tried to create a mob violence. “We strongly condemn that, and we want to warn all parties that if such behaviour happens, BNP will not remain silent and will respond immediately,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want any kind of unrest or violence, but if the party comes under attack, it will not take it lightly, as BNP knows how to respond. Fakhrul urged all political parties to refrain from creating mob violence, inciting tension, or disrupting the election process. “Everyone should focus on restoring calm and ensuring a fair election. Otherwise, the path of democratic transition will be blocked, and the journey of democracy will be obstructed. I urge all sides to take this matter seriously.” Earlier, the BNP National Standing Committee held a meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman via video link, starting at 9 pm. Read more: Mirza Abbas barred from visiting bullet-hit Hadi at DMCH BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the press conference.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return to Bangladesh anytime as all preparations for his homecoming have been completed. “Who is raising questions about Tarique Rahman not returning? I really don’t understand. Those who want to talk can keep talking. But we know he will come. He will return home very soon,” he said. While talking to reporters at a hotel in Banani, the BNP leader said that arrangements—from Tarique’s residence to his office—have nearly reached completion. “The work on preparing his office is also almost done. The party has already completed all necessary preparations based on his plans for Bangladesh. So, he can come back to Bangladesh at any time,” he added. Read more: Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said those who are spreading rumours can continue doing so as there is no harm in it, since Bangladesh always has some people who like to gossip and they can stay busy with that. “I don’t know whether there are any other motives behind such rumours… There is no point in responding to these rumours anymore,” he said. Khosru also expressed the hope that BNP will form the next government with people’s support, and Tarique Rahman will lead the new cabinet as Prime Minister. “We believe that under his leadership, we will take the country forward, fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the people,” he said. Replying to a question, the BNP leader said he is not aware of whether Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, will enter politics or not. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser Asked about Khaleda Zia’s possible travel to London, he said her trip depends on doctors’ approval and the air ambulance is not an issue here. “The main question is whether she is fit for travel. We are waiting for the doctors’ decision.” “It is better for me not to comment on the medical side because these are very technical matters. The doctors who are treating her know everything, so it is better for them to speak about it,” Khosru said. He also said Khaleda’s travel abroad now completely depends on the doctors’ opinion. “They are working on that now and discussing the matter among themselves. So, whenever they make the decision, she will be able to travel, and then she will be taken for treatment.” The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was moved to the Critical Care Unit on November 27 with multiple health complications. Khaleda’s treatment is being supervised by a medical board led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder, with both local and foreign specialists involved. Khaleda’s daughter-in-law, Dr Zubaida Rahman — also a member of the medical board — arrived in Dhaka from London on Friday to accompany her mother-in-law abroad once she is cleared to fly. Read more: Questioning whether Tarique is a voter ‘irrelevant’, says AG

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday (December 02) said that the return of Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is entirely a ‘personal and family matter’. Talking to reporters after an event titled ‘Future Bangladesh Challenges 2025’ at a city hotel, Khosru said the ongoing discussion surrounding Tarique Rahman’s possible return to Bangladesh would have no negative impact on the upcoming national election. In response to a question on whether a travel pass could facilitate Tarique Rahman’s return, Khosru said he was not aware of any such process. Read more: Concern for Khaleda Zia goes far beyond BNP, says Rizvi “BNP does politics by relying on people’s trust. Given the chance, people will once again prove that BNP still holds their confidence,” he added. The issue of Tarique Rahman’s return has gained renewed attention as his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 with multiple health complications. She was moved to the CCU on November 27 after her condition deteriorated. Read more: No specific information over Tarique’s return, says Foreign Adviser Earlier in the day, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the medical board, comprising local and foreign specialists, confirmed that Khaleda Zia is responding to ongoing treatment and that there is a possibility she may recover this time. During the 1/11 caretaker government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been residing in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Read more: Army, Navy, Air chiefs visit Khaleda at Evercare

There is no known legal bar preventing BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman from returning to Bangladesh, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said on Monday (December 01). “If any obstacles exist, we will certainly cooperate (with him). We will make the best possible arrangements for his security,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. The adviser said the decision to return rests entirely with Tarique Rahman. “He has the authority to choose the appropriate time. I believe he will return when he considers it right,” he added. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Responding to questions about why Tarique has not yet returned, the adviser said such speculation is unnecessary. “Many people raise questions about his return, but I find those comments uninteresting. This is a matter between a mother and her son. Is there any directive from Begum Khaleda Zia, or does Tarique Rahman have personal considerations? I don’t think it is appropriate to comment on that,” he said. “We must understand that this is a mother-son relationship. He knows best when to come and when to take any action,” Nazrul added. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt

The interim government on Saturday (November 29) said there is no restriction or objection regarding BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made it clear when he was asked whether there is any restriction or objection from the government regarding Tarique's return to Bangladesh. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about the physical condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and has sought doa for her from the people of the country. Earlier, at the weekly meeting of Council of Advisers, prayers and doa were offered for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda

Urging all to continue praying for the recovery of his critically ill mother, Khaleda Zia, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said although he strongly wishes to return home and to be at her side, he is unable to do so freely because of the current political realities. In a Facebook post on Saturday (November 29), he expressed the hope that once the political situation allows, his long wait to return home will finally come to an end. “Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia is severely ill and in a critical condition under intensive care at the hospital. Citizens from all sections of the country, regardless of political affiliation, have been sincerely continuing their prayers for her recovery,” Tarique said. Khaleda’s condition not good at all: Law Adviser He also said the Chief Adviser has also offered prayers for her recovery and pledged full support for her treatment. The BNP leader said medical teams from Bangladesh and abroad continue to provide dedicated care with the highest level of professionalism and sincerity. He said several friendly countries have also expressed their willingness to provide advanced treatment support and any other possible assistance required. “On behalf of the Zia family, we express our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to everyone for their heartfelt prayers and love for the widely respected Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, we earnestly request everyone to continue praying for her speedy recovery,” Tarique said. CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health “In such a moment of crisis, I too strongly long for my mother’s affectionate touch, just like any child. But unlike others, I do not have the unrestricted freedom or sole authority to make that happen. There is also little scope to describe this sensitive matter in detail. Our family remains hopeful that once the political situation reaches the expected stage, my long and anxious wait to return to my homeland will finally come to an end.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return home by the end of this month, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “We are hopeful that he (Tarique) may come back by the end of this month. If not, it might be delayed by a few days,” he told UNB on Tuesday night (11th November 2025). Tarique Rahman, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been living in London for the past 17 years since leaving the country with his family during the state of emergency in 2008. Although all legal complications against him were resolved following the fall of the Awami League government in the July uprising, Tarique has yet to return home. Over the past few months, several senior BNP leaders have repeatedly said Tarique would return “soon”, though none has mentioned a specific date. Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul In an interview with BBC Bangla on October 6, Tarique Rahman was asked when he planned to return to Bangladesh. He replied, “Very soon, Inshallah.” Asked whether he would be in the country before the election, Tarique said, “As a political worker, it’s natural that I should be with the people during an election. Where there is a people’s election – one expected by the nation – how can I stay away? I will do my best to be with the people during that time, Inshallah.” Although Tarique has long been involved in leading the party and shaping its election strategies, he has never contested a parliamentary election himself. This time, however, he is set to run in the 13th national parliamentary election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. July Charter signatories not bound by decisions beyond its scope: BNP to govt His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been contesting elections from Bogura-7 (Gabtoli and Shahjahanpur) since 1991 and from Bogura-6 (Sadar) since June 1996 — never losing in either seat. Tarique is now stepping forward to contest from his mother’s long-held constituency. Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, situated on a 32-katha plot donated to her by the government in 1981, has been prepared for Tarique Rahman to stay with his family upon his return. Party insiders said Tarique will be given a grand reception from the airport to the Gulshan house, making his homecoming a historic and memorable day. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Read more: BNP, Jamaat block highway over Gazipur-6 seat issue