United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return home on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years in exile in London, a historic event that has generated widespread interest, emotion and political anticipation across the country. The flight carrying Tarique is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50am via Sylhet airport from London’s Heathrow along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and others. BNP has completed extensive preparations to welcome its top leader, with efforts taken to ensure maximum security. Senior leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After arrival, Tarique will briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation near the 300 Feet area of the capital, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. He will offer thanks to the people and perform a brief prayer of gratitude for his safe return. Tarique’s political adviser Mahdi Amin said the BNP Acting Chairman’s first and main priority upon landing is to visit Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment there since November 23. However, considering the huge turnout of people and respecting public sentiment, he will stop briefly at the July 36 Expressway (300 Feet area) to express gratitude to the nation before proceeding to the hospital. After visiting his mother, he will go directly to his residence at House 196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay with his family. Mahdi Amin said the programme at 300 Feet is not a rally or reception. “It is only a short moment to thank the people and request prayers for the country, its people and Madam Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman will be the sole speaker,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience, BNP has set up 20 medical camps across Dhaka with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances. A six-bed temporary field hospital has also been arranged near the 300 Feet area, supported by ICU-equipped ambulances. Pure drinking water, mobile toilets and several thousand volunteers have been deployed to assist the public. Separate bus parking areas have been designated at key entry points to the capital to ease traffic congestion. Help desks have been set up at Kakoli, in front of the airport and at Abdullahpur to ensure smooth movement of airport-bound passengers, returning expatriates and ambulances, including motorbike escorts for emergencies. Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the entire programme will be broadcast live on BNP’s official Facebook pages, including BNP, BNP Media Cell and Our BNP, so people at home and abroad can watch it. Thirty large LED screens have been set up so people can watch the programme live. A three-layer security system has been put in place at the reception venue. Alongside government security, BNP has its own special arrangements. Retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam, head of Tarique’s security team, said tight security will be maintained throughout the programme. “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security,” he said. Shamsul Islam said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. Large banners welcoming Tarique have appeared on major roads and intersections in the capital. The banners show him greeting people with raised hands, carrying slogans such as “Leader is coming,” “Tarique Rahman’s return, awakening of democracy,” “Bangladesh for all, Bangladesh first,” and “Tarique Rahman is coming, hope is rising.” Top leaders of parties that joined the long anti-fascist movement and leaders of the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, have been invited to attend the brief programme near 300 Feet. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats After returning, Tarique will regularly work from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where a new office room has been prepared for him 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 to mark his return. 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. Mahdi Amin said the office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities. Tarique has spent more than a decade and a half in exile in London. During this period, he lived there with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. From abroad, he continued to run the party, stayed in touch with leaders and activists, and guided BNP’s political strategy. Tarique Rahman is travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ (BG-102) flight along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and his late brother Arafat Rahman Koko’s two daughters—Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman. Journalist Saleh Shibli and a few of his personal aides are also on board the flight. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family. Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolizes the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country. Tarique’s homecoming has sparked strong emotions among political circles, BNP leaders and activists, and the general public. Many political observers see the return not merely as that of a party leader, but as the end of a long wait and a moment tied to broader public hopes and expectations, with the possibility of one of the largest political gatherings in the country’s history. They also consider his return as a significant step towards political unity and the restoration of democracy through an inclusive and credible election. Excitement and enthusiasm have swept through BNP leaders and activists in the capital and beyond as the long-awaited return of the party’s Acting Chairman is set to take place on Thursday, ending years of speculation and debate over his homecoming. BNP activists from different parts of the country have already begun arriving in Dhaka to catch a glimpse of their leader. BNP leaders said nine special trains have been arranged to bring supporters from different parts of the country to Dhaka. BNP leaders say Tarique will lead the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He is expected to contest the election from Bogura-6 constituency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique will be the party’s main leader in the election. “Under his leadership, we will cross the electoral hurdle successfully. If we receive the people’s mandate, Tarique Rahman will lead the next government,” Fakhrul said. Tarique Rahman awaits a historic welcome on Dec 25: Salahuddin He also said despite living in exile for years, Tarique remained closely connected with the party and proved his leadership through effective organisational management. BNP has asked its leaders and activists not to carry the party’s electoral symbol during the reception, as the election schedule has already been announced. Banners, festoons and placards will be allowed, but no election symbol will be displayed. 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. During his exile, he faced numerous cases and legal hurdles. Following recent political changes and legal processes, he was cleared of all cases. Though Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice earlier, Tarique Rahman was unable to return until now. Political analysts say the ongoing political crisis can only be resolved through elections, and Tarique Rahman’s return may help ease tensions. They note that he successfully united dozens of parties in the anti-fascist movement, proving his political experience and organisational strength. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press conference on Wednesday sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. He said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience.            

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia may be taken to London for treatment once her health shows slight improvement, said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 29), Mahdi said, “From what we have heard, the Zia family is planning to take the uncompromising leader to London for advanced treatment once her condition improves slightly with the prayers and love of the country’s people.” He said Tarique Rahman and his wife have already contacted the London Hospital and the doctors under whose care she stayed for four months earlier this year and showed significant improvement. Council of Advisers pray for Khaleda’s speedy recovery “Arrangements are also being made to organise a specially equipped, state-of-the-art air ambulance for that purpose,” Mahadi said. He expressed confidence that Khaleda will recover soon, and after receiving advanced treatment, she will once again inspire the people of her homeland, lead as a guardian of the nation, and unite everyone, as she has always done. “The hopes, prayers and emotions of the people today are centred on this strong belief.” Mahadi said although Khaleda Zia is currently admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, her treatment is being supervised by a combined team of local and foreign specialists.” Mirza Abbas alleges ‘slow poisoning’ of Khaleda during imprisonment He said Tarique Rahman, his wife, and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Dr Zubaida Rahman have been maintaining constant communication with the medical team from London and providing necessary guidance. Mahdi said Dr Zubaida Rahman has been coordinating between doctors at home and abroad. “Tarique Rahman is monitoring every step with utmost importance to ensure that there is no delay or limitation in his mother’s treatment.” He said large numbers of BNP leaders and activists gather at the hospital every day to know her condition, but no one is being allowed inside the CCU due to infection risks. “People are expressing their love and concern from a distance.” 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda The nearly 80-year-old three-time former Prime Minister, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with a lung infection and cardiac complications. She is currently receiving continuous intensive care under a medical board comprising both local and foreign specialists.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been shifted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital for treatment of lung and heart infections, with the party urging the country’s people to pray for her speedy recovery. “The Chairperson is being treated in the CCU under close observation by the medical board, which includes specialist doctors from both home and abroad,” said a party insider on Thursday, wishing anonymity. When contacted, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that BNP has urged the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Sunday night after developing a chest infection affecting both her heart and lungs. Since her admission, she has been receiving treatment in a cabin of the hospital. Meanwhile, BNP will organise special prayers and munajat across the country after Jumu’a prayers on Friday, seeking divine blessings for Khaleda’s quick recovery, said Sayrul. Khaleda urges all to pray for her amid health concerns  A prayer and munajat will also be held at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office after Jumu’a prayers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders will attend the programme. Khaleda Zia, 80, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses. She also has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent stenting for her heart. Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection Since returning from London on 6 May after receiving advanced medical care, Khaleda Zia has been undergoing regular health check-ups at Evercare Hospital. Her family members, including Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman, have been in close contact with the doctors to stay informed about her condition.  

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Sunday night (November 23) as she developed infections in her chest, affecting both her heart and lungs, said her medical board. Talking to reporters, Professor Dr F M Siddiqui, a member of the medical board formed for her treatment, said Khaleda was brought to the hospital as several of her health problems appeared at the same time. “She has a chest infection. As a result, her heart and lungs have been affected at a time. Because of this, she was facing some respiratory distress. That is why we brought her here quickly,” Dr Siddiqui said. He said Khaleda has long been suffering from heart problems, including a permanent pacemaker and earlier stenting. “As her chest infection affected the heart and lungs at the same time, we carried out urgent tests. Based on the reports received so far, she has been placed on antibiotics as advised by the medical board,” he said. Dr Siddiqui said more test results are expected within the next 12 hours and Khaleda is now under close and intensive monitoring. “She is currently in a cabin but remains under intensive observation.” BNP Standing Committee member and Khaleda’s personal physician Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said it is not possible to say yet how long the BNP chief will need to stay in hospital. “The duration of her stay will depend entirely on her physical condition,” he said. Read more: Khaleda meets Prof Yunus at Armed Forces Day reception The BNP Chairperson was admitted to Evercare Hospital around 8:15pm. Khaleda, 80, has long been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, heart issues, arthritis, diabetes, lung problems and eye-related illnesses. She has been receiving treatment at her Gulshan residence under a combined medical team involving her personal doctors and specialists from Evercare Hospital. She was last taken to Evercare Hospital on 15 October for day-long medical examinations. Read more: Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital for health check-up

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday voiced deep concern over the rise of what he described as dangerous forces in the country, saying they pose a serious threat to democracy, religious freedom and cultural diversity. “What we are witnessing now is the rise of forces that are dangerous to democracy, dangerous to democratic values, and a threat to the religious faith of our people,” he said while speaking at a discussion and doa mahfil. The Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, praying for ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and marking the 18th anniversary of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s release from jail. Rizvi said many of those involved in the July-August mass uprising are now trying to impose a new form of cultural dominance, while BNP upholds a political and cultural tradition rooted in the soil of this country. He said Jamaat-e-Islami wants to preach Islam, even though Islam has long been established in the country. Rizvi alleged that Jamaat is in fact trying to spread Maududi’s ideology in the name of Islam and by exploiting religious sentiments. The BNP leader said Bangladesh’s cultural identity is one where people offer prayers five times a day but also watch TV dramas and listen to music. “This is our cultural reality. But when you try to make everything one-sided, fascism emerges, and the worst form of fascism is religious extremism and the spread of radical politics.” Reject cruelty, embrace humanity: Tarique Rahman He also raised questions the fairness of the recent student union elections to Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University students unions, suggesting there might be a secret plan to wipe out nationalist forces. “Is a ‘deep blueprint’ being drawn up by the state and university authorities to eliminate pro-BNP student organisations? This has now become a matter of public concern.” Rizvi alleged that ballot papers for the DUCSU and JUCSU elections were printed at a privately-owned press rather than a government press. “The owner of that press is known to have close ties with a particular political party. Isn’t this an irregularity and a breach of fair practices?” He noted that even teachers at Jahangirnagar University resigned from their duties after witnessing such irregularities. Rizvi further criticised the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University for introducing a new code of conduct that reportedly bars former students from entering the campus. “But a university is not an isolated place. Former students remain emotionally connected to it for life.”

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has sent seasonal fruits from Bangladesh as gifts to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar. On behalf of the BNP chief, her adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury handed over the fruits – Lengra and Amrapali mangoes and litchis – on Wednesday to Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking to UNB, Dr Enamul, who is now in Qatar, said Khaleda sent the fruits as gifts for Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. “These are simply gift items, and I personally handed them over to the concerned official,” he said. Dr Enamul said Khaleda wished for the continued progress and prosperity of Qatar and prayed for the good health of the Emir and Prime Minister. He also said the BNP chief gratefully remembered the royal air ambulance sent by the Emir earlier this year for her travel to and from London for advanced treatment. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation off to China on five-day tour Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Deputy Head of Mission Waliur Rahman, and General Secretary of Qatar BNP Shariful Haque Saju were present during the handover of the gift. BNP Organising Secretary Shariful Alam sent the gift packages to Qatar on June 23. On January 8, Khaleda Zia travelled to London in a royal air ambulance sent by the Emir for advanced medical treatment. After four months of treatment, she returned to Bangladesh on May 6 in the same air ambulance.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia underwent health checkups at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday night. She arrived at the hospital from her Gulshan residence around 7:47pm and stayed there for nearly four and a half hours, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the BNP chairperson underwent several tests at the hospital as per the advice of her medical board. Later, the BNP chief left the hospital and reached her residence around 12:08am, he said. Khaleda's personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain, said the medical board formed earlier, led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, advised her to go for the health checkup at the hospital. "She underwent various necessary medical tests at the hospital,” he said. Zahid said the medical board will decide the next course of her treatment. Khaleda taken to Evercare Hospital for health check-up The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors since she returns home from London on May 6 after undergoing four months of advanced treatment. During her stay in London, she received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Before departing for London, the BNP Chairperson last visited Evercare Hospital on September 12 for a health check-up.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday evening for a health check-up. She arrived at the hospital from her Gulshan residence at around 7:47pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP Chairperson will undergo several tests at the hospital as per her medical board’s advice. “After the tests are done, the board will decide on the next course of action,” he said. The 79-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from multiple health complications for several years. She has been receiving treatment at her home under the supervision of a medical board consisting of specialists from both Evercare Hospital and her personal team of doctors. Khaleda to visit Evercare Hospital this evening for health check-up Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on May 6 after undergoing four months of treatment in London. During her stay in London, she received advanced medical care under the supervision of liver specialist Professor Patrick Kennedy. Her travel to London and return home were arranged with the support of a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Before departing for London, the BNP Chairperson last visited Evercare Hospital on September 12 for a health check-up.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday urged people, including BNP leaders and activists, to come forward with a vow to restore democracy in Bangladesh. "Very soon, we will see Bangladesh reestablished with democracy. This should be our pledge on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zia. In this sense, I call upon BNP’s all-level leaders and activists as well as the people of the country to move forward in a disciplined manner,” he said addressing a discussion in the city through a virtual platform. BNP arranged the discussion at the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium, marking the 44th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and President Ziaur Rahman. Khaleda Zia said Ziaur Rahman embraced martyrdom in the struggle for the establishment of democracy and protection of national sovereignty. “Even today, the uninterrupted journey of that democracy faces obstacles at every step,” she said. No bar for Khaleda Zia to participate in next election: Attorney General The BNP chairperson emphasised that the politics envisioned by Shaheed Zia – to solve all problems through ensuring democracy and development– must be implemented in order to pay a true tribute to him. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke as the chief discussant at the function presided over by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Both the BNP leaders joined the discussion virtually. Thousands line the Dhaka streets to welcome Khaleda Zia  Besides, BNP standing committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, noted educationalist Prof Mahbub Ullah and Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, among others, spoke at the function moderated by BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.