After a prolonged exile of seventeen years, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is set to return to Bangladesh, marking a historic moment for his party and supporters. The capital has been placed under stringent security measures in anticipation of his arrival, with preparations underway to accommodate what the party estimates could be a gathering of up to five million people.
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Flight Schedule and Arrival :
According to party sources, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his family, will depart from London Heathrow Airport this evening at 6:15 PM BST aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Dhaka. The aircraft is scheduled to transit via Sylhet and is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport tomorrow at midday.
| Event | Details |
| Departure Airport | London Heathrow Airport |
| Departure Time | 6:15 PM BST (today) |
| Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines |
| Transit | Sylhet |
| Arrival Airport | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport |
| Arrival Time | Tomorrow, midday |
Reception at the Airport :
Upon arrival, members of BNP’s standing committee will welcome Tarique Rahman. He will then travel by road to the 300 Feet area in Bashundhara, East Dhaka, where party supporters will line both sides of the route to greet him. A specially constructed stage in this area will serve as the venue for his address to the assembled crowd, with Tarique Rahman being the sole speaker.
Following the rally, he is scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital in Dhaka to meet his ailing mother and former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia. Afterwards, he will proceed to the family residence, Firoza, in Gulshan.
Security Arrangements :
BNP senior joint secretary-general, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, confirmed that the party expects nearly five million supporters in Dhaka for the occasion. To manage the massive crowd and ensure Tarique Rahman’s security, multiple coordination meetings have been held with law enforcement authorities.
The overall security from the airport to Gulshan will be overseen by Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam. Under his leadership, the Chairperson Security Force (CSF), alongside members of the BNP-affiliated student, youth, and volunteer wings, will maintain order.
| Area | Security Arrangements |
| Airport to 300 Feet Area | CSF and volunteers |
| Stage Area | Controlled access, only party leaders |
| City-wide | Coordination with law enforcement |
In addition, nearly 1,000 microphones have been installed across key locations including the airport, East Dhaka, Kanchan Bridge, Abdullahpur, Banani, and Mohakhali to broadcast his speech. Numerous billboards and ceremonial arches have also been erected in preparation for the historic event.
Restricted Airport Access :
To manage the expected influx, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has imposed strict restrictions from 6 PM today to 6 PM tomorrow, permitting entry solely to passengers.
Nationwide Mobilisation :
BNP has arranged ten chartered trains to transport party supporters from various districts including Cox’s Bazar, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Tangail, Bhairab, Panchagarh, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Jessore. In addition, supporters are arriving by bus and launch from multiple regions to participate in Tarique Rahman’s homecoming.
This meticulously organised return not only marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape but also underscores the immense support and anticipation surrounding Tarique Rahman’s long-awaited homecoming.