BNP leader promises inclusive democracy while touching motherland soil.
Bangladesh witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape today as Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), touched down in Dhaka. This Tarique Rahman return marks the end of a 6,314-day exile in London, a period that began in 2008. The atmosphere at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was electric, with thousands of supporters braving the winter chill to catch a glimpse of the leader they consider the future of the nation.
Upon his arrival, Rahman performed a deeply symbolic gesture that resonated across the country. He stepped onto the grassy ground barefoot, touching the soil of his motherland for the first time in seventeen years. Shortly after landing, he held a telephonic conversation with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, thanking him for the security arrangements.
Addressing a massive sea of supporters in Purbachal from a specially prepared red-and-green bulletproof bus, Rahman drew inspiration from history. Invoking the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., he declared, "I have a plan" to rebuild a modern, democratic Bangladesh. His speech was a mix of personal emotion and political vision. He spoke tenderly about his mother, Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka's Evercare Hospital, stating that his heart remains by her bedside.
The Tarique Rahman return comes at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for the Bangladesh elections 2026. In a significant move, the interim administration has confirmed a ban on the Awami League, the party of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, preventing them from participating in the upcoming February polls. This has cleared the path for the BNP, though the rise of independent candidates like Hindu leader Gobinda Chandra Pramanik—who intends to contest from Hasina’s former seat—indicates a diversifying political field.
However, the transition is not without friction. In India, leaders like Mayawati have expressed concern over the safety of minorities following the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das. Simultaneously, the Malda Hotel Association in West Bengal has recently barred entry to Bangladeshi nationals, citing regional instability. Shashi Tharoor also commented on India's humanitarian stance regarding Sheikh Hasina’s stay.
Despite these complexities, Rahman’s message remained focused on unity. He paid homage to both the 1971 liberation heroes and the martyrs of the July 2024 uprising, including the recently assassinated Osman Hadi. By calling for an inclusive Bangladesh that protects all ethnicities, the BNP leader has effectively kicked off his campaign for the "second innings" of his political career.
