BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has personally confirmed that he will return to Bangladesh on December 25.

He made the announcement while speaking at a discussion meeting organised by the UK BNP to mark Victory Day on Tuesday, December 16. The programme was held at the City Pavilion Hall in London.

Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had informed the media during a briefing that Tarique Rahman would travel back to Bangladesh from London on December 25. This time, Tarique Rahman himself publicly reiterated the date of his return.

Addressing the gathering, he said the event carried special significance for two reasons: it was being held on December 16, Bangladesh’s Victory Day, and it also marked the end of nearly 17 to 18 years of his stay with party leaders and activists in the UK. He added that, God willing, he would be leaving for Bangladesh on December 25.

As soon as he made the announcement, the hall erupted in applause and cheers from party supporters. However, Tarique Rahman urged UK BNP leaders and activists not to gather at the airport on his departure day, warning that large crowds could create disorder and negatively affect the country’s image.

He also commented on the recent student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh, saying the fall of the authoritarian government was not the achievement of any single political party or group. Rather, he described it as a collective victory earned by the people of Bangladesh.

According to him, students, teachers, business owners, farmers, workers, professionals, women, children and homemakers from all walks of life took to the streets against authoritarianism, making it impossible for the regime to remain in power and forcing it to flee the country.

Tarique Rahman further said that the achievements of the 2024 mass movement belonged to the people, not to any one political organisation. While the success of the movement marked an important chapter, he cautioned that preserving that victory would be far more challenging.

He warned that conspiracies against Bangladesh were still continuing, noting that the same forces involved in past plots — from 1971 through later political crises — remain active today. He stressed that BNP leaders and activists at all levels must stay united and vigilant, standing alongside the people to counter these threats.

Expressing confidence in the future, the BNP acting chairman said his party believes it will be able to form the next government with public support in the upcoming national election. If elected, he said, BNP would remain accountable to the people and govern with responsibility and gratitude.

He acknowledged that Bangladesh currently faces severe challenges in education, healthcare, the economy, banking and industry, and said overcoming these crises would not be easy. However, he expressed hope that public backing and national unity would make it possible to address them.

Tarique Rahman emphasised that he was not driven by dreams but by a concrete plan. He said BNP’s key responsibility as a political party is to raise public awareness and present realistic, practical policies for governing the state.

Outlining BNP’s future agenda, he said the party aims to introduce major reforms in education, healthcare, the economy and employment. He highlighted the need for a modern and inclusive education system, preventive and community-based healthcare, and accessible medical services for all.

On economic policy, he said BNP plans to support small and medium enterprises, create jobs for young people, promote technology-based skills, and encourage investment from expatriate Bangladeshis. He claimed that if these measures are implemented, people would begin to see positive results within six months.

Tarique Rahman also praised the role of expatriate Bangladeshis, stating that they had played a crucial part in the movement to restore democracy and would continue to do so in the future. He thanked members of the Bangladeshi community in the UK for their continued support and requested prayers for the recovery of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Before his speech, special prayers were offered for the martyrs of the Liberation War and the 2024 movement, as well as for Khaleda Zia’s health.

The event was presided over by UK BNP’s newly appointed convener Abul Kalam Azad, with joint secretary Khosruzzaman Khosru moderating. Senior party leaders and activists from various levels of UK BNP were also present.