Tarique’s return rekindles hope for democracy

Leaders of different political parties yesterday welcomed BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that his return would put the country back on the path of democracy and elections and usher in a culture of political coexistence.

Tarique has returned home from London with his wife and daughter, ending his 17-year exile and marking one of the most significant political homecomings in recent history.

"Tarique Rahman, welcome back with your family!" Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman wrote on his verified Facebook page at noon, immediately after Tarique reached Dhaka.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam also extended a welcome through his verified Facebook page. "The restoration of this right of a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader to return to his own land is a positive reflection of our democratic struggle," he wrote.

"We want a Bangladesh that believes in democratic values, where in the future no political leader will have to go through state repression due to differences of opinion," he added.

Expressing the belief that Tarique Rahman's return would further strengthen the practice of multiparty democracy in the country, he said, "In the new political reality, building a culture of coexistence and healthy competition is now our main challenge."

"May his participation in building the country's democratic future be fruitful," Nahid added.

A key July uprising organiser and former information adviser, Mahfuj Alam, said Tarique's return is expected to strengthen trust and confidence in Bangladesh's democracy.

"The Zia family's commitment to the cause of democracy has been demonstrated over decades. Let's hope he delivers on his promises and helps build a truly sovereign and democratic polity," he said in a Facebook post.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leader Sharif Nurul Ambia said Tarique is returning as one of the country's main political leaders. "Everyone expects that he has now become much more mature."

"We hope he will play the right role in putting the country back on the path of democracy and elections," he added.

Former state minister for home Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj, NCP leader Sarjis Alam, and several others also welcomed Tarique.

Sohel Taj extended his greetings by sharing a media photocard on Facebook. He wrote, "Welcome again! Bangladesh expects exceptional leadership from you."

Meanwhile, Sarjis Alam also welcomed Tarique Rahman in a separate Facebook status. He wrote, "Following the fall of autocracy, amid changed circumstances and many ups and downs, he is coming to the country at an important moment of political continuity. We welcome him to the post-uprising Bangladesh of '24."

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka via Sylhet at around 11:41am.