BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman left Heathrow Airport early Thursday for Dhaka, ending nearly 17 years in exile in London and sparking widespread interest, emotion and political excitement across the country

“Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-102, carrying Tarique and his entourage, took off around 12:23 am (BST),” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50 am on Thursday, via Sylhet Osmani International Airport.

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at the airport. Tarique is travelling with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family.”

It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolises the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country.

The party has completed extensive preparations for his welcome, with measures taken to ensure maximum security.

After arrival, Tarique will briefly address party leaders, supporters, and the nation near the 300 Feet area of the capital, where thousands are expected to gather. He will offer thanks to people and perform a short prayer of gratitude for his safe return.

Following the programme, Tarique will visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara. After spending some time with her, he will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay.

A three-layer security system has been arranged at the reception venue, combining government security with the party’s own special arrangements.

Tarique spent more than 17 years in exile in London, living with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. From abroad, he continued to guide BNP, keeping in touch with leaders and activists and overseeing the party’s political strategy.

Excitement and anticipation have spread among BNP leaders and activists in Dhaka and across the country as the long-awaited return of the party’s Acting Chairman approaches. Supporters have already begun arriving in the capital to catch a glimpse of their leader.

Tarique left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being released from jail during the military-backed caretaker government period and later settled in the UK with his family.

During his exile, he faced numerous legal hurdles but was recently cleared of all cases.

While Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice earlier, Tarique had been unable to return until now.