TDS Desk:

After one and a half decades, Tarique Rahman’s return home has generated widespread interest, curiosity and emotion across the country among political circles, party leaders and activists, supporters and the general public.

This return is not merely the homecoming of a political leader; it represents a convergence of collective expectations and aspirations, marking the end of a long wait and raising the possibility of what could be the largest public gathering in Bangladesh’s history.

Mahadi Amin, Adviser to the Acting Chairperson of the BNP, has shared 10 questions and answers on his Facebook wall:

1. WHO FROM HIS FAMILY ARE RETURNING WITH TARIQUE RAHMAN ON THE SAME FLIGHT?

Tarique Rahman will return to the country on the same flight with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

2. WHEN WILL THEY ARRIVE IN DHAKA?

The flight carrying Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:45am. Immediately after landing, security and protocol arrangements will be implemented with the highest priority.

3. WHAT IS THE DAY’S SCHEDULE?

Tarique Rahman’s first and foremost priority is to visit his severely ill, affectionate mother, Begum Khaleda Zia—described as the guardian of Bangladesh—who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. However, considering the presence of a huge number of party leaders, activists, supporters and members of the public, and in respect of public expectations, he will briefly stop midway along the route at the ‘July 36 Expressway’ (300 Feet) area in the capital to express gratitude and thanks to the people. From there, he will go to the hospital to be by the side of the party chief and then proceed directly to his residence in Gulshan.

4. WHY WAS THE ‘JULY 36 EXPRESSWAY’ (300 FEET) CHOSEN DESPITE DHAKA HAVING MANY HISTORIC LOCATIONS?

The choice of this location reflects a clear strategic and humanitarian decision aimed at minimising public suffering. Following Tarique Rahman’s directives, central and historic venues in the capital—such as Suhrawardy Udyan or Manik Mia Avenue—were deliberately kept out of the programme. Instead, a one-sided service lane of the wide and lengthy ‘July 36 Expressway’, located far from the city centre, was selected as the venue for a very brief public reception.

5. IS THIS A RECEPTION PROGRAMME?

No. This is not a rally or a formal reception. It is a brief programme solely to express heartfelt gratitude to the people and to seek prayers for the well-being of the party chief and the country’s people. Tarique Rahman will be the only speaker. Alongside BNP leaders, activists and supporters, members of the general public from different walks of life will be present. Already, hundreds of thousands of people—irrespective of party affiliation—have started travelling to Dhaka from different parts of the country, hoping to catch a glimpse of their leader.

6. WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO REDUCE PUBLIC INCONVENIENCE?

To minimise public suffering, 20 medical camps are being set up across Dhaka, each staffed round the clock with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances. The list of these camps has been published for public convenience. In addition, a six-bed temporary field hospital will be set up near the speaking venue, equipped with ICU-supported ambulances. Arrangements for safe drinking water have also been made, and several thousand volunteers will remain engaged in providing services at all times.

7. WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE SMOOTH MOVEMENT OF OUTBOUND AND INBOUND PASSENGERS, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, PATIENT TRANSPORT, AMBULANCES AND OTHER EMERGENCY VEHICLES?

To avoid traffic congestion, separate bus parking facilities have been arranged at major entry points to the capital. Help desks will be set up at Kakoli intersection, in front of the international airport and at Abdullahpur to ensure smooth movement for airport-bound and returning passengers, as well as ambulances carrying patients. From these desks, efforts will be made to facilitate emergency movement through motorcycle escorts. Even so, the BNP sincerely apologises to city residents for any unintended inconvenience.

8. 8. WHY WAS DECEMBER 25 CHOSEN?

With the aim of avoiding public inconvenience, Tarique Rahman selected December 25—a government holiday—as the day of his return. As it is followed by two more government holidays, there will be three consecutive days off, which is expected to help reduce civic pressure and traffic congestion.

9. ARE THERE ANY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTY LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS REGARDING THE PROGRAMME?

Strict instructions have been issued to ensure that the homecoming does not lead to disorder, tension or public inconvenience in any way. All leaders, activists and supporters have been urged to maintain peaceful conduct, uphold discipline and extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies. While it is not possible to fully control the spontaneous flow of leaders and supporters heading to the capital after waiting for 17 years, most have been advised to use Kanchan Bridge and other entry points into Dhaka, keeping this reality in mind.

10. WHAT IS THE POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS HOMECOMING?

Many view this long-anticipated return as an important step toward forging public unity amid the prevailing unstable situation and establishing a democratic state through an acceptable election. For that reason, Tarique Rahman’s return is not seen merely as a personal homecoming; rather, it has become a symbol of the people’s deep aspirations and expectations for the restoration of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy.