After nearly 18 years in exile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to turn the return of its Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, into what party leaders describe as an “unforgettable” political moment. 

The party is planning what it hopes will be the largest public gathering in Dhaka’s recent memory on the day of his arrival, signalling both emotional closure for supporters and a strategic show of strength ahead of national elections.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from London on 25 December, a date formally announced last Friday night by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Since the announcement, enthusiasm has surged among party leaders, activists and supporters, with preparations intensifying across the capital.

According to responsible party sources, BNP is working to finalise a comprehensive plan within the next two to three days. 

The programme will cover organisational coordination, crowd management and security arrangements. Under the central party’s guidance, the Dhaka North and Dhaka South city units will jointly implement the activities.

Party leaders say supporters from across the country are expected to travel to Dhaka to welcome Tarique Rahman. From the airport area through Gulshan and Banani, large stretches of the city are expected to witness mass gatherings. 

BNP hopes the scale of the turnout will reflect both public emotion and political momentum.

Mirza Fakhrul himself recently hinted at the magnitude of the planned reception. Speaking at a party event in Dhaka last Thursday, he said, “The day Tarique Rahman sets foot in Bangladesh, the whole country should tremble.” He added that BNP wants to reshape the country’s political landscape on that day—remarks that underline the party’s ambition to turn the return into a defining political statement.

Aminul Haque, convenor of Dhaka North BNP and the party’s candidate for the Dhaka-16 constituency, said discussions are going on regarding the programmes to mark the Acting Chairman’s return and that decisions will be finalised shortly.

The choice of date is also strategic. December 25 is a public holiday for Christmas, followed by the weekly weekend on Friday and Saturday. BNP leaders say the timing was deliberately chosen to reduce public inconvenience and traffic disruption, allowing supporters to gather on non-working days.

Security is being treated as a top priority. In preparation, BNP has reorganised the Chairperson Security Force (CSF), which had previously been responsible for the security of party chairperson Khaleda Zia. The force has been expanded, and Brigadier General (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam has been appointed to lead it.

Party sources say the CSF will be responsible for the security of Tarique Rahman and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, after their return to Dhaka. Dr Zubaida Rahman arrived in Bangladesh on 5 December to visit her critically ill mother-in-law, Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving medical treatment.

Alongside the party’s own arrangements, the government has also assured security for Tarique Rahman. In recent weeks, the interim government declared Khaleda Zia an “extremely important person” and deployed the Special Security Force (SSF) for her protection, a move BNP leaders say reflects official recognition of the family’s security needs.

Tarique Rahman’s return marks the end of a long political exile. He was arrested in 2007 following the political changes of the “1/11” period. After his release from prison in 2008, he travelled to the United Kingdom with his family for medical treatment and has remained there ever since. 

Discussion about his return intensified after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the student–public uprising of 5 August last year, and gained further urgency when Khaleda Zia’s health deteriorated late last month.

Within BNP, the return is widely viewed as both historic and deeply emotional. Leaders believe it will reinvigorate grassroots activists and consolidate internal unity at a critical moment. 

Political observers also see the timing as significant, with the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching. Many argue that Tarique Rahman’s physical presence in the country could energise the party’s campaign and influence the broader electoral landscape.

Tanvir Ahmed (Robin), member secretary of Dhaka South BNP and the party’s candidate for Dhaka-4, described the event as more than a political milestone. “Tarique Rahman’s return is not only political; it is an emotional moment,” he said, adding that people from all over the country are expected to come to Dhaka, creating a historic day.

Social media has already been flooded with messages of excitement since the official announcement, with party supporters sharing plans to travel to the capital on 25 December.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the impact of Tarique Rahman’s return would be felt across all sections of society. “People’s expectations will be fulfilled, confusion will be removed, and trust in Tarique Rahman will become stronger,” he said.

As preparations continue, BNP appears determined to ensure that the homecoming of its Acting Chairman is not merely a personal return, but a powerful political moment—one it hopes will resonate far beyond a single day in Dhaka.