People eagerly await Tarique Rahman's homecoming Thursday

Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman, BNP

The people of Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting the homecoming of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to accord him a heroic reception. He is the man who sitting in London help organise the movement against fascist rule by reorganising the BNP from the grassroots to the national level amid despicable state sponsored terrorism against its workers.

Simultaneously the party under his leadership brought up alliances with other political parties to increase the weight and strength of the movement against the fascist rulers. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership BNP unveiled in 2022 a 27-point programme to repair the statecraft. This turned into the 31-point programme by incorporating some points from BNP’s political partners.

When in the same year political programmes were called at division levels and the fascists attempted to prevent those by stopping all modes of transport, BNP workers and supporters went to the venues of rallies a couple of days ahead of the scheduled date, walked, moved in manually driven carts or boats and some even swam rivers to attend.

Internet connectivity was slowed or stopped to shade the big rallies that were held from public view and prevent the people to listen to speeches of Tarique Rahman delivered virtually at some such rallied when publication of his statements was barred from division of the High Court which as per the Constitution was mandated to uphold the fundamental rights of the people that includes the right to freedom of speech and opinion.    

A BSS News Item adds: The government has taken extensive security measures for the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka from London on December 25 after 18 years.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that maximum security will be ensured in and around the capital to facilitate Tarique Rahman's safe arrival. 

He stated that all necessary preparations have already been completed and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain fully alert and coordinated. 

Emphasizing the government's stance, he said maintaining public security remains a top priority.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam also confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements have been made, describing Tarique Rahman as an important person. 

He said members of the security forces, including uniformed police and plainclothes detectives, will be deployed.

In addition, BNP has arranged private security for its acting chairman.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (DB) Md. Shafiqul Islam told BSS that a sufficient number of detective police personnel will be deployed to ensure security during Tarique Rahman's return.

According to police and DMP sources, Tarique Rahman will receive special police protection while traveling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gulshan. 

Security will also be ensured at his residence and office. 

A large number of police personnel will be deployed along the airport-to-Gulshan route, and members of the DMP's SWAT team will remain on standby. 

Maximum security measures will be enforced across Dhaka on the day of his arrival.

The BNP has urged its leaders and activists to maintain discipline during the large public gathering planned in the capital to welcome the party's acting chairman.

Party sources said Brigadier General (retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam has been assigned to oversee Tarique Rahman's security from the airport to his residence.

Multiple teams, including the Chairperson Security Force, will operate under his leadership to ensure multi-layered protection.

BNP leaders confirmed that Tarique Rahman's return on December 25 will be marked by a formal reception by the party, bringing an end to his long wait to return home.