BNP Leader Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17-Year Exile: A Historic Homecoming

In a historic move, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. Rahman, who was living in London, boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from London's Heathrow Airport late Wednesday night and landed in Dhaka on Thursday morning. Rahman's entourage includes his family members, including his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Zarnaz Rahman, and their pet cat, Zeebu. He was also accompanied by his two close aides, Abdur Rahman Suny and Kamal Uddin. The BNP leader's return has drawn significant attention, with scores of people gathering in Dhaka to welcome him. BNP leaders and activists were seen sitting along the fog-covered road, while party sources reported that activists began arriving from various parts of the country late Wednesday night. Rahman's return marks a significant moment for the BNP, which has been facing challenges in the country. The party leader is scheduled to visit his ailing mother, former PM Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, before going to his residence in Gulshan-2. Over the next few days, Rahman has a packed schedule, including visiting his father's grave, paying tribute to the National Martyrs' Memorial, and completing formalities related to his Bangladeshi national identity card. He is also expected to visit those injured in the protests in July last year at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.