BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is preparing to return home after 17 years of exile. Party sources say that it is almost certain that he will return to Dhaka in mid-November. Close advisors to the party and some diplomats stationed in Dhaka have also confirmed the matter.

A top party leader said, “After much discussion, preparation and uncertainty, it is now clear that Tarique Rahman wants to return home in mid-November. He will leave London between November 10 and 20.” Sources said that he will arrive in Dhaka on a commercial flight from London’s Heathrow Airport. He also plans to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia before his departure.

It is reported that Tarique Rahman has met with two influential diplomats while in London in the past few months. One of them is US Ambassador-in-Charge Tracey Ann Jacobson. In the meeting, he reiterated his desire to return home and discussed BNP’s future role in restoring democracy.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently told reporters, “Tareq Rahman will return home soon. We are making preparations, but the specific date has not been finalized yet.” Party sources said that the process of issuing Tarique Rahman’s travel pass through the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK is underway.

Tarique Rahman is currently living in the UK on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status. This status allows him to permanently reside, work and study, and even has the right to apply for British citizenship. However, returning to the country after staying abroad for a long time is seen as a big step from political and legal perspectives.

Security measures are being strengthened by the BNP and the government around Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. The process of purchasing a bulletproof minibus for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and a bulletproof SUV for Tarique Rahman is almost complete. The Home Ministry has already approved the two vehicles.

A Home Ministry official said, “The government will provide maximum security to Tarique Rahman if he returns home. We are considering the reasonable requests of the BNP positively.”

BNP Security Advisor Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar said, “A new journey of democracy has begun in Bangladesh after the August 5, 2024 incident. There will be various obstacles in this journey, but Tarique Rahman will have to lead. Therefore, ensuring his safety and effective role is the priority now.”

According to party observers, Tarique Rahman’s return to the country could bring about a big change not only for BNP politics but also for the overall political context of the country. This return after 17 years of exile will be the beginning of a new political reality.

BNP leaders believe that Tarique Rahman’s return to the country will be the beginning of the party’s revival. Party sources have indicated that BNP will plan new strategies and movements under his leadership before the next national elections.