Tarique Rahman Returns from Exile, Pays First Tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s Grave

DHAKA, Dec 27: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will on Friday visit the grave of his father and party founder, former president and military ruler Gen Ziaur Rahman, marking his first major public engagement since returning to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.

According to the BNP’s media wing, Rahman will visit the mausoleum in Dhaka late Friday afternoon after Juma prayers to offer prayers for his father. He will later proceed to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to lay wreaths in honour of those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War.

Symbolic start amid political uncertainty

Rahman’s visit comes at a sensitive moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape. His return from London on Thursday drew massive crowds and intense public attention, with many viewing him as a central political figure as the country navigates an uncertain transition period.

With the Awami League currently banned and other parties such as the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Jamaat-i-Islami lacking broad nationwide support, the BNP has emerged as the most prominent political force. Party leaders see Rahman’s decision to begin his public engagements with tributes to Gen Ziaur Rahman and the martyrs of 1971 as a message of political continuity, nationalism and unity.

Massive welcome after long exile

Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning to a massive show of support, with lakhs of BNP workers and supporters lining the streets. After ending his long stay in the United Kingdom, he travelled in a heavily secured convoy to attend a large party rally at Purbachal in the capital.

Addressing the gathering, Rahman repeatedly stressed the need for peace and stability, calling on citizens from all sections of society to unite in building a democratic and economically resilient Bangladesh.

He credited young people for playing a role in the recent political changes, saying the country had once again witnessed a movement for transformation.

Call for unity and shared future

In his speech, Rahman reflected on key chapters of Bangladesh’s history, including the 1971 Liberation War, the political upheavals of 1975, the mass movement of the 1990s, and the developments of August 5, 2024. He said people from diverse backgrounds farmers, students, workers and madrasa students had come together to safeguard the nation.

Describing Bangladesh as a pluralistic society, he emphasised the importance of ensuring safety and dignity for all citizens. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Mirza Abbas and Salahuddin Ahmed, were present at the rally.

Elections ahead, challenges remain

Rahman’s return is being closely watched ahead of general elections expected in February. Political analysts note that his prolonged absence had earlier raised concerns within the BNP about Jamaat-i-Islami potentially expanding its influence within the opposition space.

Although the interim administration led by Mohammad Yunus withdrew all cases against him, Rahman had delayed his return citing security concerns, amid reports of extremist activity and attacks on political workers.

For decades, Bangladesh’s political arena has been dominated by the Awami League and the BNP, with Jamaat-i-Islami remaining a smaller but consistent player. With Tarique Rahman back in active politics, opposition alignments are expected to shift, intensifying the political contest as the country heads toward the next polls.