Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, publicly welcomed BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family upon their return to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. The message, posted on Dr. Rahman’s verified Facebook page on Thursday, simply read, “Mr. Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family.” Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40 a.m. under tight security and later proceeded toward his residence in the 300 Feet area.

Thousands of BNP supporters and activists gathered at the airport and along the route, waving flags and banners to greet their leader. The return marks the end of Tarique Rahman’s long exile following his conviction in several corruption cases and political turmoil in the mid-2000s. Political analysts note that Jamaat’s public gesture could signal renewed alignment or cooperation between the two opposition parties.

Observers say Tarique Rahman’s return may reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections, though legal and political challenges remain significant.