Tarique Rahman Set to Depart London for Dhaka Today

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh today after 17 years in exile. The party has developed extensive plans to make his homecoming a "historic and memorable" event.

According to party sources, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to depart from London’s Heathrow Airport at 6:15 PM local time (12:15 AM Bangladesh time) on Wednesday, December 24. He will be traveling on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-202.

The flight is expected to make a stopover at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday, December 25, at 11:55 AM, provided the schedule remains on track. He will be accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman.

Preparations and Homefront

A festive atmosphere has gripped BNP leaders and activists across the country regarding his return. However, the Acting Chairman has issued a special request to party members in the UK to avoid gathering or crowding Heathrow Airport during his departure.

Upon arrival in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman is expected to reside at House 196 in Gulshan. Renovation work on the house is currently underway. Atiqur Rahman Rumon, convener of "Amra BNP Poribar," stated that if the renovations are not completed in time, he will temporarily stay at "Firoza," the residence of his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Historical Context

Tarique Rahman, then the Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, was arrested on corruption charges in 2007 during the tenure of the military-backed caretaker government. After spending 18 months in prison, he was released in September 2008. He left Dhaka for London with his family on September 11, 2008, seeking medical treatment, and has remained there ever since.