BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed strong optimism that Bangladesh would once again emerge as a truly democratic state under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He said Tarique Rahman’s recent return to the country has already sent a powerful message of hope to the people.

Mirza Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Friday morning before paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and martyred president Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

“Tarique Rahman will lead the country forward on the path of democracy, and the people will regain their lost democratic rights. His glorious return yesterday (Thursday) symbolises that very hope,” he said.

The BNP secretary general noted that people welcomed Tarique Rahman with overwhelming enthusiasm and emotion. “He has returned with a message of change,” Fakhrul added.

According to him, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming is not merely a political event; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.

“After a long period of political stagnation, positive change has begun in politics, as if a fresh breeze is blowing,” he said.

Fakhrul further said people have started dreaming again, with Tarique Rahman now at the centre of those aspirations. He expressed firm confidence that the far-reaching plans taken by Tarique Rahman for public welfare would be implemented effectively.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said martyred president Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in the country, which was later upheld through immense struggles by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

“Today, that democracy will reach its fulfilment under the leadership of Tarique Rahman,” he said.

Mirza Abbas also said Tarique Rahman’s return has removed confusion and uncertainty among the public regarding elections.

“His presence has brought clarity to politics. People are now far more confident that a free and fair election is possible,” he added.

It may be recalled that after nearly 17 years abroad, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. The aircraft carrying them entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day.

His return triggered widespread public interest and emotion across the country, with BNP leaders, activists and supporters giving him an enthusiastic and unprecedented reception, marking the homecoming as a historic and triumphant moment.