After a hiatus of nearly 21 years, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited his in-laws’ residence in Sylhet on the night of Wednesday, 21 January, accompanied by his wife, Zobaida Rahman. The couple arrived at their ancestral home in Birahimpur village, Silam Union, South Surma, Sylhet, at 12:40 a.m., marking a long-awaited family reunion.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam reported that Tarique Rahman commenced his visit by paying respects at the graves of his in-laws and other close relatives. Following this solemn ritual, he joined in a locally prepared meal organised specifically for the occasion, reflecting both reverence and celebration.
Earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman visited the revered shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.), where he performed religious prayers and rituals. Recognising the historic significance of his return, the hosts arranged special prayers and a large community feast. Approximately forty large pots of akhni—a traditional rice and meat dish—were cooked and distributed among nearly 12,000 people, demonstrating the local community’s hospitality and enthusiasm.
A timeline of the visit’s key events is outlined below:
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 p.m. | Arrival at Sylhet Osmani International Airport | Via Biman Bangladesh Airlines, part of election-related visit |
| 8:30 p.m. | Visit to Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) Shrine | Religious prayers and pilgrimage |
| 11:30 p.m. | Visit to Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) Shrine | Historic shrine visit |
| 12:40 a.m. | Arrival at in-laws’ residence | Paid respects to relatives’ graves |
| 1:00 a.m. | Special prayers and communal meal | 40 pots of akhni served to ~12,000 locals |
The visit reinforced Tarique Rahman’s dual role in Sylhet, reflecting both his familial ties and political influence. On the morning following his arrival, he is scheduled to attend the first election rally for BNP’s 13th parliamentary campaign at Alia Madrasa Maidan in Sylhet city, where he will interact directly with party supporters.
By combining religious devotion, familial respect, and public engagement, Tarique Rahman’s visit was widely seen as a significant social and political milestone. The large-scale distribution of food and the organised prayers generated notable enthusiasm among local residents, effectively launching BNP’s election activities in Sylhet with considerable impact.