BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people of all walks of life to unite in rebuilding the country, saying the time has come for collective efforts to shape a peaceful, safe and democratic Bangladesh.

Addressing a reception organised at the 300-Foot area in the capital’s Purbachal in the afternoon, Tarique said Bangladesh must be built in line with the dreams of its mothers, with peace, security and democratic rights ensured for all.

“We will together build a Bangladesh that a mother dreams of. We want peace for the country,” he said, delivering his first public speech on Bangladeshi soil after 17 years.

Recalling sacrifices over the past decade and a half, the BNP leader said mothers, sisters and youths had laid down their lives, while many brave sons of the time—whom he described as “July fighters”—were killed. He said fulfilling the aspirations of those martyrs was essential to rebuilding the nation.

“If we can build the country that martyrs like Osman Hadi envisioned, then nation-building will be possible,” he said, calling for patience and unity, particularly from the younger generation.

At the outset of his speech, Tarique expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling his return to the country. “First of all, I offer countless thanks to the Almighty for allowing me, by His infinite mercy, to return to my beloved motherland and stand among you,” he said.

Drawing parallels between history and recent events, he said just as people achieved independence in 1971, people from all strata came together in 2024 to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“The people of Bangladesh want their right to speak restored. They want their democratic rights back,” he said.

Emphasising inclusivity, Tarique said Bangladesh is home to people from the hills and plains, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. “We want to build a safe Bangladesh where every woman, man and child can leave home and return safely,” he added.

Referring again to martyr Osman Hadi, Tarique said he had dreamed of economic rights for the people. “To repay the blood debt of those who were martyred in 1971 and 2024, we must build the Bangladesh they expected,” he said.

He stressed that the youth would lead the country forward, urging the creation of a democratic Bangladesh with a strong economic foundation. “We want peace for the country,” he reiterated.

Earlier in the day, at around 11:30am, Tarique Rahman arrived in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG-202), landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

After completing formalities at the VIP lounge, the BNP Acting Chairman stepped onto Bangladeshi soil, breathing in what party leaders described as the “free air of the country” upon his return.