BNP prepares for Tarique’s historic return amid tight security

Bangla Press Desk:   The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has mobilised extensive preparations to ensure the safe return of its acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London on 25 December, including close coordination with government law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, appointed chief security officer for both BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, told the Daily Sun on Wednesday, “We will ensure hundred percent security for our leader, Tarique Rahman, with the assistance of the government agencies. Security is a sensitive and confidential issue, so it would not be appropriate to disclose the full scope of our preparations for foolproof protection.”
Shamsul emphasised that Tarique Rahman is “simply a political leader, like other political parties” and added, “We have neither requested the government to provide him security, nor do we intend to do so, as BNP is enough to ensure his foolproof security.”

The party confirmed in a press note on Wednesday that Shamsul has been discharging these duties for the past two years.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said that a large contingent of law enforcement officers, including intelligence personnel, will be deployed around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 25 December. 
“A significant public gathering is expected in the airport area. Considering the significance of the event, the police administration will take all necessary preparations to prevent any untoward incident,” he added.
A senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tarique, widely viewed as a future prime minister, is expected to visit his ailing mother, 80-year-old Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital by helicopter shortly after landing. 
The use of a helicopter is being considered to avoid traffic congestion both on the airport road and across the capital, though a final decision has yet to be made.
On 26 December, Tarique is expected to pay homage at the grave of party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Banglanagar, Dhaka, before formally launching his election campaign, the insider added.
BNP has also formed a special committee to coordinate Tarique’s homecoming, appointing Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as convener and Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary.  The committee includes organising secretaries of BNP’s 10 divisions, leaders of various party fronts, and the conveners and member secretaries of Dhaka’s north and south units.
The committee has held several meetings at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office to discuss public gathering management, security arrangements, traffic control, and disciplinary measures. 
BNP leaders and activists are expected to line the road from the airport to Evercare Hospital, welcoming Tarique with banners, festoons, and placards.
After visiting his mother, Tarique is anticipated to go to a residence on Road No. 196, Gulshan Avenue, beside Khaleda Zia’s home.
Tarique was arrested in March 2007 by the military-backed caretaker government and held until his release on bail in September 2008, after which he flew to London for medical treatment. 
Since then, he has remained in exile, facing politically motivated cases in Bangladesh, including sentences in absentia, some carrying capital punishment.
His return follows last year’s student-led mass uprising in 2024, which forced the Awami League-led government to resign and flee the country, paving the way for Tarique’s long-awaited homecoming.

BP/TD