BNP prepares grand receptionTarique Rahman set to return home after Umrah

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is making extensive preparations to welcome its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is expected to return home at the end of November or the beginning of December after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Party sources confirmed that Tarique will travel to Saudi Arabia with his family before returning to London and then flying to Dhaka.

His return marks his first visit to Bangladesh in more than 15 years and BNP leaders say they are ready to give him a “historic reception.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Tarique’s return date would be formally announced soon.

“He will lead the party in the upcoming national election and Insha’Allah, will lead the country if given the people’s mandate,” he said.

Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, another Standing Committee member, said, “Although the exact date has not been finalised, he is expected to return by late November or early December. Preparations are already underway.”

In recent months, Tarique met two influential diplomats, including the United States acting ambassador to Bangladesh Tracey Ann Jacobson – in London, when he reiterated his intention to return to Bangladesh.

Tarique has been living in Kingston, a south-western suburb of London, during his years of exile.

House No 196 waiting for Tarique's footstep

According to senior BNP leaders, preparations are almost complete for Tarique Rahman’s residence and office.

According to reliable party sources, Tarique Rahman will stay at House No 196 on Gulshan-2 Avenue, which was originally allotted to Begum Khaleda Zia following President Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981.

Renovation underway at Party Office 

At the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, large-scale renovation and modernisation works are underway.

BNP Treasurer and former MP M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, who is overseeing the project, said the office is being redesigned to support efficient communication between central and grassroots units.

New conference rooms, a modern media centre and upgraded security systems — including surveillance cameras and controlled entry systems — are being installed.

“We are modernising the headquarters so that administrative and organisational activities can run smoothly under Tarique Rahman’s leadership,” Millat said.

No legal barriers to his return

BNP’s Legal Affairs Secretary, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, stated that there are no legal obstacles to Tarique Rahman’s return.

“He has been acquitted in all cases. Many cases filed during the emergency rule and Sheikh Hasina’s tenure have been dismissed. He is free to return whenever he wishes,” he said.

Foolproof security arrangements finalised

According to senior BNP figures, preparations are almost complete for Tarique Rahman’s security detail.

The party has obtained approval for two bulletproof vehicles, while firearm licences for his security personnel are in the final stages of approval.

Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar; BNP Chairperson’s Security Adviser, confirmed that a high-level security plan is being coordinated with government agencies.

“When Tarique Rahman returns, his security cannot be handled lightly. BNP’s own security forces are not sufficient — state security support is necessary. We will formally request the government for assistance from the SSF or other agencies,” he explained.

“Historic” reception expected

BNP insiders said preparations for a “record-breaking reception” are being made, from the airport to the party headquarters. The route from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gulshan and Nayapaltan will be under tight security, with both state and party personnel deployed.

According to party officials, the return of Tarique Rahman — seen by many supporters as the symbol of democratic restoration — will mark a pivotal moment ahead of the upcoming general election.