Tarique Rahman to Return to Bangladesh on December 25

Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will return to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after years in exile. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a briefing at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Friday night.

Mirza Fakhrul confirmed that Tarique Rahman would land in Dhaka on December 25, and the party would welcome him warmly. Tarique Rahman had been in the UK since 2008 for medical treatment after being released from prison following his arrest in the 2007 political upheaval.

In the aftermath of the August 5, 2024, political changes, Tarique Rahman had his conviction in several cases annulled, which opened the door for his return. BNP leaders had been speculating about his return for months, and the possibility grew stronger after the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman addressed his return in a post on his verified Facebook page, expressing his strong desire to be with his mother during her crisis. However, he acknowledged that the decision was not entirely in his hands, given the complex political situation.

Mirza Fakhrul, speaking to the press, emphasized that Tarique Rahman’s return would eliminate barriers to democracy in Bangladesh. He urged BNP leaders and activists to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and smooth homecoming for Tarique.

The briefing also included discussions on the recent shooting incident involving Osman Hadi, the convener of Inquilab Mancha. Fakhrul condemned the attack and called for swift identification and punishment of the perpetrators, suggesting that the incident may be part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt the election process.

Mirza Fakhrul also condemned attempts to create unrest at the hospital where Osman Hadi was being treated, stating that BNP would not tolerate any attack on its members. He reiterated that BNP does not seek violence but would respond effectively to any provocation.

The briefing concluded with a call for a peaceful, fair election process, urging all political forces to focus on creating a conducive environment for democracy.