After returning home following nearly a decade and a half in exile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged to uphold peace and public order at any cost. He also urged people to remain calm and restrained in the face of provocation.

His return comes at a time when uncertainty and anxiety have spread among the public due to various criminal incidents, including mob violence, about a year and a half after the fall of the Awami League government following a mass uprising. BNP leaders have stated that if the party wins the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February, Tarique Rahman will be made Prime Minister.

Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:39 am on Thursday, where he was welcomed by senior party leaders. After staying at the airport for nearly an hour, he left at 12:41 pm by bus for the reception venue built in Purbachal. Hundreds of thousands of party leaders and activists gathered along the roads near the airport and in Purbachal to welcome him. As he acknowledged greetings from enthusiastic supporters along the way, it took more than three hours to travel the seven-kilometre route to the venue.

Later in the afternoon, Tarique Rahman addressed a massive public gathering in Purbachal. Before 4:00 pm, he took the stage set up on the July 36 Expressway. Speaking before a huge crowd, he warned that agents of hegemonic forces were engaged in conspiracies in various ways and emphasized the need for patience and restraint.

Highlighting the role of young people, he said the next generation would lead the country in the future and must take responsibility for rebuilding the nation. He stressed the importance of establishing a strong democratic foundation alongside a resilient economic base to build a prosperous Bangladesh.

Calling on party leaders and activists to work together to meet public expectations, Tarique Rahman said maintaining peace and order was essential. He reiterated that everyone must remain calm and composed, regardless of provocation.

Before his speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and reception committee convenor and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed delivered brief remarks. Many senior BNP leaders were present on the stage, including members of the party’s Standing Committee.

Leaders of allied parties involved in the long-running joint movement were also in attendance, along with prominent political figures and civil society representatives.

Earlier in the day, starting from 10:00 am, BNP leaders addressed the crowd to keep supporters energized. Party leaders and activists from across the country participated in the programme organized to welcome Tarique Rahman’s return.