Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh, Pledges Unity and Safety Amid Unrest

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman has made a stirring appeal for unity and peace in the country upon his return after 17 years in exile. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is seen as a strong contender in the upcoming parliamentary elections in February 2026. His homecoming speech emphasized the need for stability and security in Bangladesh, where recent incidents, including the killing of a student leader and a Hindu man's lynching, have sparked widespread outrage. In a bid to quell the unrest, Rahman called for unity among people from different faiths, stating that Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and others. He vowed to work towards creating a safe state where every individual can live without fear. The BNP leader also visited his ailing mother, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Rahman's return has been met with enthusiasm from his supporters, who gathered in large numbers in Dhaka, plastering the streets with banners and festoons bearing his image. Party supporters believe that Rahman is the only one who can restore peace and stability in the country, which is currently facing a 'dire situation'. The BNP leader has urged all citizens to join hands to maintain law and order, regardless of their political affiliation or faith.