DHAKA, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS)- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit his mother BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia upon his return to the country after nearly 18 years in exile.

The convener of the Tarique Rahman reception committee and BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed announced the information at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan this noon. 

He said, “Insha’Allah, Tarique Rahman will depart from London’s Heathrow Airport on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at midnight Bangladesh time and, after a stopover in Sylhet tomorrow morning, will land in Dhaka at 11:50 am.”

“The members of the BNP Standing Committee will extend a dignified reception to the leaders at the airport. Following the reception, Tarique Rahman will proceed to Evercare Hospital to be with the ailing former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” added Salahuddin. 

He mentioned that a very brief public event has been arranged on the service lane of one side of the Airport to 36 July Expressway (300-Foot Road) en route to the hospital. There, the BNP Acting Chairman will express his gratitude to the people of the country.

“This is neither a public meeting nor a formal reception program. It is simply an event for him to express his sincere gratitude to the countrymen and to request prayers for the well-being of the 'Deshnetri' Khaleda Zia and all citizens,” Salahuddin emphasized. 

The Standing Committee Member said that Tarique Rahman does not support any programme that could cause public suffering. For this reason, he has requested expatriate leaders and supporters not to gather at the London airport. He has also given clear instructions that no party programme in Bangladesh should create public inconvenience.

Salahuddin informed that Tarique Rahman chose a government holiday for his return day to minimize public disruption. "Instead of having a large program in a central area of the capital, a very brief event has been planned on the service lane of one side of the comparatively less crowded 300-Foot Road (36 July Expressway)."

He further added that there will be no second speaker at this event other than Tarique Rahman. "Although it is not entirely possible to control the influx of eagerly waiting party activists and supporters from different parts of the country after 17 years, the party is making its utmost effort," said Salahuddin. 

Referring to the public inconvenience, he said, “We sincerely apologize for the unavoidable essential and minimal programs adopted by the party to make our beloved leader's historic return a reality, and for any inconvenience and suffering caused by them."

The BNP leader announced a detailed list of vehicle parking arrangements at various entry points of Dhaka city.

For South Dhaka, parking has been arranged at Sayedabad, Demra Staff Quarter, Fulbaria, Gulistan Bus Terminal, Mohakhali Bus Terminal, and other locations.

For North Dhaka, parking facilities are available at Abdullahpur, Tongi, Bishwa Ijtema Field, Turag Field, Trade Fair Ground, Nila Market, Diabari, Gabtoli, Uttara Sector 17, and other places.

Referring to medical services and traffic management, Salahuddin said, "The event will feature 20 medical camps, with arrangements for full-time doctors, paramedics, medicines, and ambulances. A six-bed field hospital will also be set up near the stage, complete with an ICU ambulance."

He mentioned that help desks would be set up at three locations—Kakoli intersection on Airport Road, in front of the international airport, and Abdullahpur—to ensure uninterrupted movement for passengers travelling to and from the airport, as well as for ambulances carrying patients. Motorcycle squads will be deployed to help keep the routes clear.

Salahuddin Ahmed announced that on Friday, December 26, after Jummah prayers Tarique Rahman will leave his residence to first visit the mazar (tomb) of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and from there, he will pay his homage at the National Martyrs' Memorial. On the December 27, he will complete his NID card and voter registration process, after which he will visit the grave of Shaheed Osman Hadi and go to the Pangu Hospital to see those injured in the July mass uprising.

Salahuddin said, “We know that despite our best efforts, we cannot diminish the irresistible urge of the millions of people who have been waiting for 17 years across the country to see their beloved leader even once, and their current rush towards the capital. We are certain, Insha'Allah, tomorrow Bangladesh is going to witness its largest public gathering in history.”

Regarding the overall security, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, the Chief Security Officer of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, stated that since security is a confidential matter, the less said about it, the better for everyone.

He also mentioned that the government is providing maximum cooperation considering all aspects and has given necessary instructions to various forces and agencies. He expressed hope to create a system stronger than the existing security risks by coordinating government agencies and party forces.

Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, convener of the BNP Media Cell, spoke about the placement and management of media personnel, stressing that cooperation from the media is crucial for this major event.

He stated that no one, including members of the Standing Committee, will enter the Red Zone of the airport.

Security passes will be distributed today for entry into the designated media areas. The Media Cell members - Shayrul Kabir Khan and Atiqur Rahman Rumon - will be in charge of this coordination.

He also mentioned that there will be separate passes for the airport and the 300-Foot area, and he advised keeping separate teams ready as the same person cannot cover both locations.

He requested that media personnel not to cross the Red Zone and adhere to specific rules for setting up risers.

Electronic media vehicles will be allowed entry only after security verification upon displaying the vehicle sticker, valid ID card, and pass together.

Pavel informed that media vehicles following the motorcade must stay at the end of the motorcade, and arrangements for broadcasting can be made from specific points, including the overpass.

Inside the airport, there will be only three cameras, one for the Media Cell, one for the BNP's main page, and one for the Acting Chairman's entourage. Other media outlets are requested to use the provided feed.

He also urged them not to create security risks by going beyond the media points, including Evercare Hospital.

He noted that the same pass will be valid for both the 25 and 26 December.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the Member Secretary of the reception committee and Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, stated that the final briefing on security, media, and overall preparations has been given. He said that activists all over the country are jubilant over Tarique Rahman's return after a long 17 years, overcoming various oppressions, tortures, and fascist conspiracies. Highlighting the crucial importance of media cooperation in this context, he expressed gratitude to the journalists for their support from the beginning.