In his first major public engagement since officially assuming the role of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman hosted a meet-and-greet event for the nation’s journalists on Saturday.

The gathering, held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sheraton in the capital's Banani, began at 11:15 am and drew a massive presence of editors, senior journalists and media executives from across the country.

The event marks a significant shift in the country's political communication, as Tarique Rahman personally moved among the tables to exchange greetings and courtesies with the attendees.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who accompanied the Chairman, noted that the program was specifically designed to bridge a long-standing gap.

He stated that prolonged political circumstances and the reality of exile had previously prevented the party leadership from engaging directly with the media fraternity in such a forum.

This milestone event follows a whirlwind period for the BNP leadership.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25, 2024, after nearly 15 years in exile, only to face the passing of his mother and party matriarch, Begum Khaleda Zia, on December 30.

Following a National Standing Committee meeting on Friday night (January 9) where he was formally declared the Chairman of the BNP, this media reception served as his inaugural formal interaction in his new capacity.

Addressing the audience, Mirza Fakhrul highlighted that the emergence of a "liberal democratic Bangladesh" is now a shared hope among citizens.

He emphasized that the party views the media as a vital partner in the nation's journey toward new horizons.

The event concluded with a sense of renewed dialogue between the political leadership and the press as the nation prepares for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election 2026 and the Referendum, is scheduled for February 12.