Quick Read
- Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.
- He delivered an emotional speech in Dhaka, calling for unity and outlining plans for the nation’s future.
- Rahman visited his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital after the event.
On December 25, 2025, Bangladesh witnessed a moment that will echo through its political history. Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), finally set foot on his homeland after 17 years of exile in the United Kingdom. The anticipation was palpable, the crowds immense, and the emotions—raw and unfiltered.
Rahman’s journey began at London’s Heathrow Airport, departing at 6:15pm London time, and, after a brief stopover in Sylhet, he landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40am local time. His arrival was met with a wave of enthusiasm: BNP leaders, party activists, and ordinary citizens gathered at the airport and along the streets, chanting slogans, waving flags, and creating a festive atmosphere that stretched from the airport to Purbachal, the venue for his public reception.
As he stepped out of the airport, Rahman paused—barefoot on dew-soaked grass, he grasped a fistful of Bangladeshi soil, bringing it to his nose in a gesture heavy with emotion and symbolism. This was not just a return; it was a reconnection with his roots, a physical and spiritual homecoming.
The motorcade, adorned in red and green, escorted Rahman to the public event, with supporters lining the route in a colorful display of unity. Some waved the national flag, others carried the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol, and drums and chants filled the air. The slogans—’Tarique Rahman Asche, Ma-Mati Dakche’ and ‘Desh Neta Asche, Bangladesh Kapche’—underscored the significance of his return for many Bangladeshis.
At 3:51pm, Rahman took the stage, greeted by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior party members. His speech, which began at 3:57pm, was both reflective and forward-looking. He addressed the crowd with gratitude, invoking the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs from 1971 and 2024, and called for unity across all walks of life—regardless of faith, class, or political affiliation.
Rahman drew parallels between pivotal moments in Bangladesh’s history: the independence movement of 1971, the sepoy–people’s uprising in 1975, and the mass movement against autocracy in 1990. He emphasized that, just as previous generations fought for freedom and democracy, it was now the people’s turn to reclaim their rights—particularly the right to speak and to democratic participation.
Echoing Martin Luther King’s iconic phrase, Rahman declared, “I have a plan.” His vision for Bangladesh is ambitious: a nation built on democratic foundations, economic strength, and peace. He stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that Bangladesh is home to a mosaic of communities—Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and others—who must work together to achieve a safe and prosperous future.
Rahman paid tribute to martyr Osman Hadi, highlighting the ongoing struggle for economic rights and the debt owed to those who sacrificed for the nation. He called on the youth to lead the country into a new era, reiterating three times, “we want peace in the country.”
His address was not just political; it was deeply personal. Rahman requested prayers for the recovery of his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who remains hospitalized. After the rally concluded, Rahman visited her at Evercare Hospital, surrounded by family and party colleagues.
The event drew a wide array of political figures—not only BNP leaders but also representatives from allied parties and movements. Their presence signaled a rare moment of solidarity within Bangladesh’s often fractious opposition, united under Rahman’s call for national renewal.
What stands out about this homecoming is not merely the scale of the reception or the symbolism of Rahman’s gestures. It’s the undertone of hope and responsibility: Rahman’s insistence that real change will require collective effort, and that every citizen has a role to play in shaping the future. His vision is not just for the BNP, but for a Bangladesh where peace, democracy, and economic justice are the birthright of all.
The emotional resonance of Rahman’s return—barefoot on native soil, his voice trembling with gratitude—was matched by the pragmatic tone of his plans. If the excitement in the streets is any indicator, Bangladesh is at a crossroads. Whether Rahman’s homecoming marks the beginning of a new chapter or merely a fleeting moment of unity remains to be seen.
Rahman’s homecoming was a study in contrasts: nostalgia for the sacrifices of the past, urgency for the present, and cautious optimism for the future. His speech blended personal emotion with political ambition, reminding Bangladeshis that the path to a peaceful, democratic, and economically vibrant nation is paved by shared effort, not solitary dreams. As the nation waits to see how these plans unfold, the challenge will be turning collective hope into concrete action.
(Sources: Prothom Alo)