TDS Desk:

After 17 years in exile, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on 25 December. The party has planned a series of events, including a reception, to mark his homecoming.

A residence at 196 Gulshan Avenue has been prepared for his stay, with all security measures reinforced. Next door, at 79 Road, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia resides in her rented home, Firoza.

A field visit on Wednesday afternoon revealed that preparations at the white-painted house are complete. Sweeping and maintenance work continues along the main road, though the main gate remains restricted for security reasons. Four new police boxes have been installed, and multiple police vans, along with a Bomb Disposal Unit vehicle, are stationed nearby. Security personnel are not allowing anyone to stand or take photographs in front of the gate, though journalists will be permitted tomorrow.

Photo: Collected

Security is also heightened around Begum Khaleda Zia’s residence.

Although Tarique Rahman’s stay has been confirmed for some time, only a few party workers have been seen near the residence. Among them is Yunus Haoladar from Dumki Police Station, Patuakhali, who made clothes featuring the Sheaf of Paddy symbol in tribute to Tarique Rahman. A small crowd gathered to take selfies with him. Yunus told Deshkal News, “I made these clothes out of love for BNP and Tarique Rahman. I am here to catch a glimpse of him.”

Local tea seller Jhuma Akter, whose stall is opposite Tarique Rahman’s residence, has been in the area since 2001. She said, “I have witnessed the hardships faced by Khaleda Zia firsthand. So far, no one has raised any issues regarding the house, and police are present for security. A few party workers come occasionally, but the area remains restricted.”

Tarique Rahman will officially stay at this Gulshan Avenue residence upon his return from London on 25 December.

In addition, he will operate from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, which is undergoing renovation. A nearby house at 10/C, 90 Road, has been rented as the BNP office, from where he will manage the party’s national election operations.