Tarique seeks peace, unity on homecoming

On a euphoric homecoming after precious 17 years in forced political exile, BNP leader Tarique Rahman promises political bonhomie in the divisive polity and calls for rebuilding Bangladesh as safe abode for all.

At a mammoth reception rally on return home Thursday amid an ambiance of post-uprising unrest, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman urged citizens to preserve peace and public order "by any means", calling for unity and restraint.

Speaking from a podium amid a human sea on the 300-Foot boulevard in Dhaka, Rahman said Bangladesh needed most an ambiance of calm and collective effort at this defining political moment of transition through set February polls.

"We want peace. We must work together in unity. No one should fall into provocation," he told supporters, repeating thrice that peace is his foremost desire.

Drawing parallels between landmark moments in the country's history, Rahman said that just as people united to win independence in 1971, and again in 2024, to protect Bangladesh's sovereignty, the nation must now stand together to reclaim democratic rights.

"People want their right to speak back. They want their right to democracy restored."

The up-and-coming leader of the party founded by his father and consolidated by his mother put forth his message about an inclusive Bangladesh, stressing communal harmony and security for all citizens. "This country belongs to the people of the hills and the plains-Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians," he said in his rallying call.

"We want to build a safe Bangladesh where every woman, man and child can leave home and return safely."

Rahman's speech came shortly after he arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11.40am, landing on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from London via a layover in Sylhet. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

After completing immigration formalities, Rahman was received at the airport's VIP lounge by BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party leaders, exchanging embraces and greetings. He was later garlanded by family members before leaving the airport on a red-and-green decorated bus, waving to cheering supporters who chanted his name along the route.

In the interlude he touched the soil of his motherland barefoot in the garden inside the country's airway frontier.

Airport ceremonies over, Rahman travelled directly to the Purbachal reception, where he mounted the stage at 3.51pm and began speaking minutes later, opening simply with the words: "Dear Bangladesh."

Mirza Fakhrul welcomed him on behalf of the party, describing the homecoming as historic. Earlier, Fakhrul had said Rahman's return filled a "void" in the country's political skies after nearly two decades, turning "a cry of anguish and sighs" into a "beacon of immense expectation".

In his address, Rahman said it was time to rebuild the country together, with the younger generation playing a decisive role. He emphasised the need for a democratic state anchored in a strong economic foundation, arguing that only such a framework could honour the sacrifices of those slain in 1971 and during the political upheavals of 2024.

Remembering slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman said Hadi had dreamed of economic justice for ordinary people. "To repay the blood debt of the martyrs of '71 and '24, we must build the Bangladesh people expect."

Invoking Martin Luther King Jr's famous words, Rahman told the crowd: "I have a plan." And he would need the cooperation of every citizen in realizing the development vision.

He also asks supporters to pray for the recovery of his mother, former prime minister and BNP chair Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. After the rally, Rahman travelled there to see her before heading to his Gulshan residence.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com