BNP leaders, activists head to capital to welcome Tarique Rahman

After nearly 17 years, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on Thursday (25 December), a development that has generated widespread vigour among party leaders, activists and supporters across the country. 

Particularly in Sylhet, extensive preparations are underway as BNP units mobilise supporters to participate in what the party describes as a historic homecoming. BNP leaders and activists from the region have already begun heading to the capital to attend the reception programme scheduled in Dhaka.

Party leaders said efforts are underway to transport around 50,000 leaders and activists from Sylhet to the capital. Many have already left, while most are expected to depart tomorrow (24 December) night. 

Senior leaders, as well as nominees and nomination aspirants from Sylhet's six parliamentary constituencies, are also mobilising supporters to ensure a large turnout in Dhaka. 

In recent days, BNP's Sylhet district and metropolitan units have held separate preparatory meetings to coordinate participation in the programme. At these meetings, leaders resolved to travel to Dhaka in large convoys on the day of Tarique Rahman's return, aiming to demonstrate strong organisational presence and support.

Following his arrival, BNP will accord Tarique Rahman a formal reception on Thursday afternoon in the 300 Feet area of the capital.

Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury said around 20,000 leaders and activists from the district would join the Dhaka programme. 

BNP Chairperson's Adviser and Sylhet-4 candidate Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the return has generated enthusiasm even in remote areas, with tickets for Dhaka-bound transport already sold out.

Security tightened at Osmani International Airport

According to party and airline sources, Tarique Rahman will arrive on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from UK on Thursday morning. The aircraft is scheduled to land first at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet before proceeding to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. 

BNP sources said he will not disembark in Sylhet for security reasons, and party leaders and activists have been instructed not to gather at the airport.

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi said, "As he will arrive in Sylhet before travelling to Dhaka, there is additional vigour among the people of Sylhet and all preparations by the metropolitan unit have been completed." 

Security has been tightened at Sylhet's Osmani International Airport as the flight carrying Tarique is scheduled to land there first on Thursday morning.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Mohammad Saiful Islam said, "Security measures will be further enhanced on Thursday, and no public gathering will be allowed in the airport area on that day." 

Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Ahmed added, "Ahead of any international flight arrival, we remain on the highest alert. There will be no exception this time, and necessary measures will be taken in line with the directives received." 

40,000 BNP activists heading to Dhaka from Faridpur 

At least 40,000 leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations are heading to Dhaka from Faridpur to mark the homecoming of the party's Acting Chairman, said Faridpur District BNP Member Secretary AKM Kibria Swapan. 

Preparations are underway across all 9 upazilas and 6 municipalities of the district, involving party units at the union level as well as affiliated and associate bodies. 

To facilitate travel, buses, minibuses, microbuses and private vehicles have been hired, while many activists have already travelled to Dhaka by train over the past two days.