United News of Bangladesh

A BNP delegation on Friday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar on behalf of the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, as he was unable to reach the site before sunset. “A BNP delegation paid homage on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at 5:06 pm at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, as he could not reach the site before sunset to do so in line with the rules and protocol for paying tributes,” said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The delegation included BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Roy and Dr Abdul Moueen Khan, BNP Chairperson Advisory Council members Amanullah Aman and Lutfuzzaman Babar, Dhaka District BNP President Khondokar Abu Ashfaq, general members Advocate Nipon Roy Chowdhury and party leaders Dr Dewana Mohammad Salauddin, Tamizuddin, Yasin Ferdous Murad, and Ayub Khan, Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, and Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Tarique was scheduled to reach Savar before 5 pm to pay tributes to the heroes of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial. Earlier, he left his Gulshan Avenue residence around 2:54 pm in a bus decorated in red and green under tight security and reached the grave of his father and BNP founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 4:45 pm. Heavy crowds along the route delayed his journey, which took one hour and 51 minutes. After paying tributes at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Tarique set out for the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. Upon completing the day’s programme, the BNP Acting Chairman is expected to return to his Gulshan residence.

A day after returning home following nearly 17 years abroad, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the grave of his father and BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Friday to pay his respects. Tarique placed a wreath at the grave along with senior BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s Standing Committee. A munajat was offered there seeking the salvation of Zia’s departed soul, the early recovery of Khaleda Zia, and the welfare of the country and its people. Later, Tarique stood before the grave for a while in prayer with visible emotion and offered fateha. He was seen wiping tears with a handkerchief. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence around 2:54 pm in a bus decorated in red and green under tight security and reached Ziaur Rahman’s grave around 4:45 pm. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders received him and accompanied him to the grave premises. It took him one hour and 51 minutes to reach the grave due to the massive presence of party leaders and workers, who lined both sides of the road, making the route narrow for his motorcade. Throughout the journey, he waved to supporters from inside the bus. He had used the same bus, inscribed with the slogan 'Bangladesh First', on Thursday while travelling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the public reception venue, Evercare Hospital, and his Gulshan residence. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists gathered in and around Zia’s grave and the National Parliament complex. From early morning, party leaders and members of its associate organisations thronged Zia Udyan and nearby areas in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Some carried party flags, while others held banners and posters. Security was tightened across Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Additional law enforcement personnel were deployed at Zia’s grave and surrounding roads. Checkpoints were set up at entry points, and party volunteers helped maintain order. Crowds continued to swell on roads near Zia Udyan before noon. This is the first time in almost 19 years that Tarique Rahman has paid tribute at his father’s grave. The last time he did so was on September 1, 2006, when he was serving as the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, marking the BNP’s founding anniversary. Tarique is also scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the heroes of the Liberation War. On Saturday, he will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will then go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Security tightened at Zia Udyan, Savar National Memorial ahead of Tarique’s visit  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed the hope that Bangladesh will become a truly democratic state under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “The country will move forward on the democratic path through Tarique Rahman, and the people of the country will regain their democratic rights. His majestic return yesterday (Thursday) carries that message,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to journalists at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar before paying tributes at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He said people have warmly welcomed Tarique Rahman through a grand reception. “He has come with a message of change.” Fakhrul said Tarique’s return is not just a political event but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.  “After being in exile since 2006, Tarique Rahman returned to the country yesterday (Thursday). His return was grand and unprecedented. The people of Bangladesh welcomed him spontaneously and joined in the celebrations with joy and enthusiasm. The people has got back their beloved leader,” he said. Fakhrul a said very few leaders in Bangladesh’s political history have received such spontaneous popular support and public reception. As a young and promising leader, he said Tarique is now seen not only by the people but also by international media as a potential future Prime Minister of Bangladesh. “Fresh air has begun to flow in Bangladesh’s political sky. Tarique Rahman’s return is not just a personal comeback; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s politics. It will pave the way for the restoration of democracy and fulfilment of people’s aspirations,” Fakhrul said. The BNP leader also said people have started dreaming again, and Tarique now stands at the centre of those hopes. Expressing firm confidence, Fakhrul said Tarique would implement properly the far-reaching plans he has undertaken for the welfare of the people. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said martyred President Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in the country, which was later upheld through tough struggles by Begum Khaleda Zia. “Today, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, that democracy will fully blossom,” he said. Abbas said the confusion and uncertainty among the public over election-related issues has been completely removed with Tarique’s return. “Tarique Rahman’s presence has brought clarity to the political arena. People are now far more confident than before about a free and fair election,” he added. Tarique returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years abroad. The aircraft carrying him, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day. His return has drawn wide public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Tarique was greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event.

A day after returning home after nearly 17 years, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit the grave of his father and BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Friday to pay his respects. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence around 2:54pm in a bus decorated in red and green colours under tight security and headed for Ziaur Rahman’s grave. He used the same bus on Thursday while travelling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the public reception venue, Evercare Hospital and his Gulshan residence. He will place a wreath at the grave along with senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s Standing Committee. This will be the first time in almost 19 years that Tarique Rahman is paying tribute at his father’s grave. The last time he did so was on September 1, 2006, when he was serving as the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, marking the BNP’s founding anniversary. Security tightened at Zia Udyan, Savar National Memorial ahead of Tarique’s visit Later in the day, Tarique is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the heroes of the Liberation War. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning after spending nearly 17 years abroad. The aircraft carrying him, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day. His return has drawn wide public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Tarique Rahman returns home amid rapturous reception Tarique was greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event.

Ending his 17 years in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday, greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event. The BNP leader’s arrival marked a significant moment, as he set foot on Bangladeshi soil, felt the earth and dew-soaked grass beneath his feet, and pledged to work together with the people to build the country and implement his plan for the progress of the nation and its people. The day was dominated by massive crowds, with the reception at the 300 Feet venue in the capital drawing enthusiastic party leaders, workers, and supporters. It took more than three hours for Tarique to reach the stage from Shahjalal International Airport as he waved and greeted supporters along the way from the red-and-green-decorated bus. By around 2:30pm, as the bus entered the venue, chants and slogans echoed across the area. Tarique took the stage at 3:50pm and began his speech at 3:57pm with the words, “Dear Bangladesh,” offering thanks to Allah for allowing him to return to his motherland. Earlier, at 11:44am, Tarique, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, arrived on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London via Sylhet at Shahjalal International Airport. Party leaders gave him a warm welcome at the airport, and his mother-in-law greeted him with flower garlands. Upon arrival, Tarique called BNP Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to express his gratitude for the arrangements and security provided during his return. In a video shared on BNP’s verified Facebook page, he thanked the Chief Advisor for the arrangements and asked for prayers before ending the call. After completing immigration formalities, Tarique stepped out and removed his shoes to feel the country’s soil and dew-soaked grass. He was also seen holding a small piece of soil in his hand. Tarique’s pet cat, Jebu, also returned to Bangladesh with the family in a specially arranged box. Earlier, photos of Jebu with Tarique circulated on social media, and the BNP’s verified Facebook page shared pictures of the cat in the morning. Throughout the day, Tarique shared his journey and feelings on his official Facebook page. He posted at 9:34am as the plane entered Bangladesh airspace, writing, “After 6,314 long days, under the skies of Bangladesh!”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman went to Evercare Hospital to see his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after addressing party leaders and supporters at the 300 Feet venue in the capital on Thursday. Tarique set off from the 300 Feet reception venue around 4:28pm and reached the hospital around 5.54 pm in the same bus he came from the airport. It will be the first reunion of the mother and son in Bangladesh after more than 17 years, though they have met several times in London, including in January this year. Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman, who accompanied him on the journey from Heathrow Airport to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, went to the hospital around 5:10pm. Earlier, while addressing the reception venue, Tarique said, as a son, his heart lies beside his mother’s hospital bed due to her illness. “But I cannot leave the people behind for whom she has dedicated her life in any way. That is why I have stood here today to express my gratitude to you before going to the hospital,” he said. Tarique also urged the people of the country to pray for the recovery of his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara residential area since 23 November, in a critical condition. ‘I’ve a plan for Bangladesh,’ says Tarique Rahman After spending some time with his mother, Tarique is expected to proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:44am, marking the end of his 17-year exile in London. 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.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is heading towards Evercare Hospital to see his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after addressing party leaders and supporters at the 300 Feet venue in the capital on Thursday. Begum Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara. ‘I’ve a plan for Bangladesh,’ says Tarique Rahman After spending some time with his mother, Tarique will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:44am.  

Emphasising the need for maintaining peace, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said he has a plan for the country and its people and sought the cooperation from all for its implementation. “We want peace in every possible way…if we remain united we can fulfill the expectations of the people,” he said while addressing party leaders, supporters and the nation at a reception at the 300 Feet road in the capital in the afternoon. Recalling the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech by African-American leader Martin Luther King, Tarique said, “Standing on Bangladesh soil today, as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I want to say before all of you that I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country.” The BNP leader said his plan is aimed at serving the interests of the people, ensuring national development and changing the fortunes of the country’s citizens. “If this plan and these actions are to be implemented, I will need the cooperation of every person present in this sea of people and of all those across democratic forces of Bangladesh who represent. If you stand by us and support us, Insha’Allah, we will be able to implement my plan,” he said. After concluding his 15-minute speech, he waved to the party audience in greeting and returned to the microphone to once again remind them of his plan for the people and for the country, expressing his vow to implement that plan. In his speech, which began with the address ‘Dear Bangladesh’, Tarique Rahman expressed his gratitude to Allah, saying that by His endless mercy, he has been able to return to his beloved motherland and people through their prayers. Recalling the July Uprising and the Liberation War, he said Bangladesh was independent in 1971 at the cost of the blood of millions of martyrs. In the same way, the BNP leader said the revolution of 7 November 1975 took place to protect the country from the hands of hegemonic forces. Similarly, the hardworking people of the country had reclaimed their democratic rights in the 90s waging an anti-autocratic movement. “But the conspiracies did not stop there.” “Just as the people of this country achieved independence in 1971, in the same way, people from all walks of life—including students, the general public, farmers, workers, homemakers, women and men, and madrasa students, regardless of party, class, or profession—protected the country’s independence and sovereignty on 5 August 2024,” Tarique said. Recalling the martyrs of the July movement, he said a few days ago Osman Hadi, a member of the brave generation of the ’24 movement, was killed and he became a martyr. Tarique said Osman Hadi wanted democracy to be established for the people of the country. “Those who were martyred in the ’24 movement, and those, including Osman Hadi, who were victims of abduction and killing during past autocratic rule—if we are to repay the debt of their blood, then let us build the Bangladesh we have long hoped for.” The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh now want to regain their right to speak and to reclaim their democratic rights. “The people of Bangladesh want their rightful entitlements based on merit. Today, the time has come for all of us to work together to build the country.” Addressing the younger generation, he said the cohorts of various hegemonic powers are engaged in conspiracies in many ways. “You must remain patient and calm in the face of any provocation. At all costs, the peace and order of this country must be maintained.” Tarique said that just as the country has people living in hills, it also has people living in the plains, adding, “Bangladesh is home to people of many religions, including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus.” Expressing his desire to build a safe Bangladesh for everyone, he said, “We want a Bangladesh where any woman, man, or child can leave their home safely and return safely, Insha’Allah.” The BNP leader said half of the country’s population are women while over four crore are young people, around five crore are children, about 40 lakh are people with disabilities, and millions are farmers and workers. “These people have expectations from the country. If we unite today and make a commitment together, we can fulfill the hopes of these crores of people, Insha’Allah.” Stressing the importance of peace and order, the BNP Acting Chairman said, “No matter our religion, class, political party, or if we are non-political citizens, we must ensure, at any cost, that peace and order are maintained in our country. At any cost, we must reject disorder. At any cost, we must ensure that people are safe. Children, women, men, of any age, class, profession, or religion—all must be safe. This must be our goal.” Remembering the sacrifices of the martyrs of 1971, he said, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War had a dream to build such a Bangladesh. During the past 15 years of the autocratic regime, the BNP leader said hundreds and thousands have been victims of abduction and killing. “Not only political party members but ordinary citizens have faced persecution and even lost their lives while protesting.” Promising to uphold justice based on the Prophet’s (pbuh) ideals, he said, “Let us all pledge together that, Insha’Allah, those who take responsibility for running the country in the future will strive to lead it according to the justice exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” Tarique said, as a son, his heart lies beside his mother’s hospital bed due to her illness. “But I cannot leave behind the people for whom she has dedicated her life in any way. That is why I have stood here today to express my gratitude to you before going to the hospital.” Seeking prayers for his mother’s health, he said, “From here, I will go to my mother, the national leader Khaleda Zia. She is someone who has loved the land and the people of this country more than her own life. You are all aware of what has happened to her. As a son, I ask you to pray before Allah today, that He grants her the strength to recover and be well.” Earlier, Tarique arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:44am, ending his 17 years in exile. The motorcade carrying Tarique Rahman arrived at the public reception venue, after nearly three hours and ten minutes, delayed by the huge crowds gathered on both sides of the road to welcome him. He travelled from the airport to the venue in a bus decorated in red and green colours. Around 3:50pm, Tarique Rahman took the stage, waving to party leaders and supporters, and began his speech at 3:57pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed Tarique Rahman to the stage. Before Tarique’s speech, Mirza Fakhrul and Salahuddin Ahmed, the convener of the reception committee and a member of the party’s standing committee, delivered brief speeches. Other standing committee members present on the reception stage included Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain. Leaders from different political parties, especially the partners of the party’s simultaneous movement were also present. Hundreds of thousands of leaders and supporters from across the country participated in the programme organised to welcome Tarique Rahman.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has reached the 300 Feet road in the capital from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a bus, and he is expected to briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation. He will offer thanks to people and a short prayer of gratitude for his safe return after nearly 17 years in exile in London. The 300 Feet road in Purbachal has turned into a human sea with thousands gathering to welcome Tarique Rahman. By 8 am, the road and surrounding areas were packed with party leaders, activists and supporters, leaving little space to move. The stage has been set with 19 chairs while members of security forces have been deployed around the stage and across the venue to maintain order. Special trains carrying BNP supporters from Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Chattogram, Khulna and Mymensingh arrived in Dhaka at different times during the night. Supporters still continue to arrive in processions from various points, including the airport, Purbachal, Banani and Jamuna Future Park, creating a festive atmosphere filled with slogans, cheers and occasional band music. Tarique is also scheduled to visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara. After spending some time with her, he will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will be staying. A three-layer security system, combining government arrangements with the party’s own special measures, has been put in place at the reception venue. Tarique Rahman spent more than 17 years in exile in London with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. Despite being abroad, he remained actively involved in BNP politics, guiding leaders and overseeing the party’s strategy from afar. Earlier in the day, a Bangladesh Biman Airlines flight carrying Tarique and his entourage landed at 11:44am at Dhaka airport. At the airport, the BNP acting chairman put off his shoes and touched soil amid the tight security as a video shows it while later circulated on social media.  Being warmed by party’s senior leaders at the airport, a red colour bus carrying Tarique and others is heading towards the reception venue of the July 36 Uprising Expressway where thousands of leaders and activists are waiting to catch a glimpse of the leader.        

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman have reached their Gulshan residence in the capital from Shahjalal International Airport. Zubaida and Zaima reached Gulshan No 196 residence around 1 pm on Thursday, said an official of BNP Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF). Police and CSF members took them to the house as part of safety protocol. After finishing the airport formalities, Zubaida and Zaima went straight to their Gulshan residence, while Tarique made his way to the 300 Feet reception site. Flight carrying Tarique, family lands in Dhaka Tarique will be staying in the house with his family. Earlier, Tarique returned home along with his family in the morning, ending 17 years of life in exile.