BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is anticipated to return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile during the initial week of December. According to Fazle Elahi Akbar, the BNP chairperson’s chief coordinator for defense and security matters, Tarique will arrive in the country right after the announcement of the election schedule. Upon his return from the UK, Tarique will embark on a nationwide campaign trail to connect with the people as the party’s acting chairman, which may pose security challenges due to anticipated large crowds.
Akbar emphasized the government’s duty to ensure Tarique’s security once he is back. Regarding discussions with the government on security arrangements for Tarique, Akbar stated that a formal request would be made once the exact arrival date is confirmed. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the BNP is in the process of procuring two bulletproof SUVs for Tarique.
Tarique is expected to reside in a two-story house adjacent to his mother Khaleda Zia’s current residence, “Feroza,” situated on 32 kathas of land. Khaleda, who is also the BNP chairperson, was granted the property following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. After retaining control of the property for years, it was officially registered in her name on June 5 under the interim government’s administration.