'Build a Bangladesh we dream of': Tarique Rahman marks homecoming after 17 years of exile | Top quotes

During this rally, he called for the return of peace to Bangladesh and stated that as the leader of BNP, he has a plan.

Updated on: Dec 26, 2025, 06:51:20 IST

Edited by Danita Yadav

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Amid the widespread unrest in Bangladesh over the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chief Tarique Rahman marked his homecoming on Thursday.

Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s acting chairman waves to supporters after his arrival in Dhaka. (AFP)

Rahman, who is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka after 17 years of exile in London. Follow live updates on Bangladesh news here

After receiving a rousing welcome in Dhaka from around 50 lakh supporters, Rahman addressed a rally at 300 Feet Road. During this rally, he called for the return of peace to Bangladesh and stated that as the leader of BNP, he has a plan.

Also Read | Tarique Rahman walks barefoot on Bangladesh soil after 17-year exile | Watch

Here's a look at some of the top quotes from the BNP leader's return to Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman marks homecoming | Top quotes

"Agents of various dominant powers are still engaged in conspiracies. We must remain patient. We have to exercise caution," Tarique was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. While he made no mention of any external forces at play, the BNP leader urged supporters not to respond to any form of provocation.
"The time has come for all of us to build the country together. This country belongs to people of the hills and the plains, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man, and child can leave home and return safely," the BNP leader said, adding that Bangladeshis want to regain their right to speak and want their democratic rights back.

Also Read | Indian envoy summoned by Bangladesh as ties take a hit over missions' security

The acting chief also recalled the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 and the student uprising of 2024 and said that the people must repay those who have been martyred in these two conflicts and work towards building a Bangladesh "we all dream of".
Tarique Rahman also invoked American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. and his historic "I have a dream" speech. Speaking at 300 Feet Road, the BNP acting chief said he "has a plan" to build a better Bangladesh for the people.
"This plan is for the interest of the people, for the development of the country, for changing the lot of the country. To implement the plan, I need the support of all the people of the country. If you stand beside us, God willing, we will be able to implement my plan,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
The BNP leader also urged an people to come together and join hands for the betterment of the country. “Whatever political party we belong to, whatever religion we believe in, whether we are non-partisan individuals -- all must join hands to maintain law and order,” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danita Yadav
Danita Yadav is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times. Based in New Delhi, Danita serves as a pivotal voice in international reportage in the team. Operating under the mandate of delivering "without the noise", Danita excels at distilling complex geopolitical developments into lucid, objective narratives which prioritise factual accuracy over sensationalism. In HT, Danita has been recognised for her breaking news efforts and time-bound coverage of the Air India crash, which has driven over 2 million users to the website through trusted, factual coverage of the incident. Thriving in high-pressure editorial environments, Danita has also cultivated a reputation for navigating the nuances of global diplomacy and cross-border policy. With over four years of experience in the journalism industry, Danita has spent her years diving deep into the coverage of international relations and global conflicts. She has previously worked with the news teams at Outlook India and Times Network, covering a wide range of beats and topics, from education curricula and student protests to Indian politics and international conflicts such as the Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan wars. Danita earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi. Beyond the newsroom and her love for international relations, you'll find Danita 'geeking' out over books, music and BTS. Her appreciation for global pop culture and storytelling also added to her unique perspective on the "soft power" dynamics that increasingly have shaped international relations in the ever-changing global order.Read More

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