BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh from London on Thursday after more than 17 years in exile, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and pet cat Zeebu. His homecoming triggered massive celebrations, with supporters lining streets across Dhaka to welcome the family.
The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight first landed at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport before proceeding to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, where it touched down at around 11.42 am, airport officials said.
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Soon after landing, Rahman shared a photograph on Facebook captioned, “Back in Bangladesh skies after 6,314 days!”
BNP Standing Committee members received Rahman and his family at the airport before he departed for a public reception. Supporters from across the country began gathering in Dhaka from midnight, many travelling long distances on foot to attend the programme near Purbachal’s 300 Feet Road.
Several supporters described the return as an “Eid-like” moment, calling it deeply emotional after years of separation.
Rahman travelled in a bulletproof vehicle amid tight security and is scheduled to address the gathering later in the day.
