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.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to hold talks with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an effort to ease the country’s ongoing political tensions. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Sharif said the government is ready for dialogue if PTI shows sincerity, emphasizing that discussions should focus on legitimate national issues and political harmony is vital for Pakistan’s progress.

The proposal follows a statement from a PTI faction, Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), which said the ‘door to dialogue remains open.’ However, no concrete steps have been taken by either side to initiate formal talks. The situation remains uncertain as PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to serve a 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. Multiple other cases, including attempted murder and forgery, are also pending against him.

Observers note that the government’s ban on visits to Khan until February 8 has deepened mistrust, while his party and family express concern over restricted access. Political analysts warn that without confidence-building measures, dialogue efforts may falter ahead of the next hearing on January 27.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches the midpoint of his third term in 2026, discussions are intensifying over who might lead India after him. Modi, who has held power since 2014, remains highly popular with a 71% approval rating according to Morning Consult. Yet, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces declining parliamentary dominance and growing opposition, raising questions about succession and continuity.

Analysts suggest potential successors could emerge from within the BJP, such as Home Minister Amit Shah or Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Alternatively, regional allies like Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu or his son Nara Lokesh could gain prominence, especially amid large-scale investment projects. The opposition Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi or his sister Priyanka Gandhi, also remains a possible challenger.

Experts warn that any post-Modi leader may struggle to match his popularity or political control. A less popular administration could resort to populist spending to maintain support, potentially straining fiscal stability and increasing corruption risks in India’s governance landscape.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declared that any attempt to undermine national unity, security, or stability will not be tolerated. Speaking at the 273rd Corps Commanders Conference in Rawalpindi, he emphasized the armed forces’ determination to counter terrorism and reject links between militancy, crime, and political interests, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

Munir commended the military’s professionalism and sacrifices in recent intelligence-based counterterrorism operations across the country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and reiterated Islamabad’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian access.

The conference underscored the army’s commitment to national stability amid ongoing regional tensions. Analysts view Munir’s remarks as a signal of the military’s intent to maintain internal cohesion and assert its role in Pakistan’s evolving security and political landscape.

Heavy traffic congestion paralyzed Chittagong Road from Wednesday night as BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman returned to Bangladesh for a three-day visit. The gridlock intensified Thursday morning, with vehicles remaining stationary for over ninety minutes. Commuters leaving Dhaka for other districts faced major delays, particularly between Signboard and Kanchpur, though inbound traffic toward Dhaka remained normal.

Transport staff and local witnesses reported intermittent relief in traffic flow overnight but said conditions worsened again in the morning. The congestion coincided with the start of a national holiday period, amplifying the number of outbound travelers. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on traffic management measures.

The situation underscores Dhaka’s chronic traffic challenges, especially during political or holiday events. Officials may deploy additional traffic police and coordinate with highway authorities to ease movement ahead of the weekend rush.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police temporarily closed the main Uttara–Mohakhali road from 6 a.m. on Thursday to ensure security during the arrival of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Authorities confirmed that the route would reopen once Rahman leaves the airport area. The closure, which began early in the morning, caused moderate traffic congestion in nearby areas, including Abdullahpur and House Building.

Traffic Inspector Ziaul Hasan of Uttara East Zone told reporters that the measure was taken due to large public gatherings and security concerns. Motorists were advised to use the Diabari–Mirpur route as an alternative, while additional traffic officers were deployed to manage the flow of vehicles. Police urged commuters to follow instructions and avoid the restricted zone.

The temporary closure underscores heightened political activity surrounding Rahman’s return and the logistical challenges of managing large crowds in Dhaka. Authorities said normal traffic operations are expected to resume later in the day once the security situation stabilizes.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after nearly 17 years in self-exile in the United Kingdom. His flight, Biman Bangladesh Airlines BG-202, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, Rahman removed his shoes and touched the ground in a symbolic gesture of respect for his homeland. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

After completing immigration formalities, senior BNP Standing Committee members formally received him at the airport. Rahman exchanged greetings with his mother-in-law, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, who welcomed him with flowers. His journey began from London’s Heathrow Airport and included a brief stopover in Sylhet before arriving in Dhaka.

The return of Tarique Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh’s main opposition party, is expected to have significant political implications ahead of the next national elections. Party leaders and supporters gathered to greet him, signaling renewed momentum within the BNP leadership.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning after more than 16 years in self-exile. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman. Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he was greeted with flowers by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, made a brief stop in Sylhet before reaching Dhaka.

Following his arrival, Tarique Rahman spent about 20 minutes at the airport’s Rajanigandha Lounge, where he held brief discussions with senior leaders. He then proceeded by road toward Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Thousands of supporters lined the streets to welcome him, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Rahman briefly addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to the nation and offering prayers of thanks.

His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP, potentially reshaping the party’s leadership dynamics ahead of future political developments in Bangladesh.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday morning, marking his first return to the country in 17 years. His flight from London’s Heathrow Airport landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:55 a.m. local time before continuing to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, expressed his emotion on social media, noting the exact number of days since he last saw Bangladesh’s skies.

Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment amid political turmoil and multiple corruption cases. His return comes at a politically sensitive time, as the BNP seeks to reassert its presence ahead of future national elections. Party leaders and supporters gathered with national flags to welcome him, viewing his arrival as a symbolic moment for the opposition.

Observers say Rahman’s return could reshape BNP’s internal dynamics and influence the broader political landscape, though legal and political challenges remain ahead.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh today after nearly 17 years of self-exile in London. The party has organized an extensive reception program in Dhaka, with millions of supporters expected to gather along the route from the airport to the 300-feet road area, where a brief thanksgiving event will be held. Rahman, accompanied by his family, departed London on Wednesday night and is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late Thursday morning.

BNP leaders have finalized a two-day post-arrival schedule including visits to his father Ziaur Rahman’s grave, the National Martyrs’ Memorial, and voter registration in Dhaka. The party has expressed regret for any public inconvenience caused by the events and emphasized that the programs are designed to minimize disruption. Security measures have been intensified, dividing Dhaka into red, yellow, and white zones, with around 2,000 law enforcement personnel deployed.

Authorities have banned drone flights around the airport and Evercare Hospital, while BNP has introduced bulletproof vehicles for Rahman’s transport. The return marks a significant political moment for the opposition, potentially reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Home Ministry in Bangladesh’s interim government, has resigned from his position. The Cabinet Division confirmed the resignation through a gazette notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid on Wednesday, following the acceptance of his resignation by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Chowdhury had been appointed on November 11, 2024, with the rank of a state minister to assist in managing internal security affairs under the caretaker administration. His departure comes amid ongoing administrative adjustments within the interim government, which has been overseeing state functions ahead of the next general election.

While no official reason for the resignation was disclosed, political observers note that such changes may reflect internal restructuring or differing policy priorities within the transitional administration. The government has yet to announce a replacement for the Home Ministry portfolio.

NCP’s southern regional organizer Hasnat Abdullah declared that his party would not retreat from its reform agenda even at the cost of their lives. Speaking at a mourning and solidarity rally in Feni on Wednesday, organized by the Democratic Reform Alliance, Abdullah condemned the brutal killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and accused political opponents of continuing attempts to silence reformist voices.

He criticized elements within the administration, alleging that some officials appointed through a ‘controlled lottery’ were showing partisan loyalty. Abdullah warned that those acting as political agents could face consequences similar to former officials Benazir and Harun. He also expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in the investigation into Hadi’s murder, calling it a dangerous sign for justice and governance.

The event was chaired by local AB Party leader Master Ahsanullah and attended by senior figures from NCP, the AB Party, and the State Reform Movement. Speakers reiterated their commitment to political reform and demanded impartial administration and accountability for political violence.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has collected a nomination form on behalf of its chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, for the Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The form was collected from the office of the district returning officer and deputy commissioner Rafiqul Islam by district BNP general secretary Bokhtiar Ahmed Kochi on Wednesday afternoon.

Senior BNP leaders, including district vice presidents Mahbub Ahmed and Abu Bakar Siddique, were present during the submission. Siddique described Khaleda Zia as a three-time former prime minister and a daughter of Dinajpur, expressing optimism that local voters would support her overwhelmingly. Party activists in the district have shown strong enthusiasm and are praying for her recovery amid ongoing health concerns.

The move signals BNP’s intent to field its top leadership in key constituencies despite uncertainties surrounding Khaleda Zia’s health and legal status. The Dinajpur-3 race is expected to draw significant attention as the election campaign intensifies nationwide.

Thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists from Bogura began traveling to Dhaka on Wednesday to welcome the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return to the country on December 25. Local BNP leaders said more than 1,000 buses, minibuses, and microbuses have departed from 12 upazilas, carrying an estimated 50,000 supporters. Transport unions confirmed that all inter-district coach tickets from Bogura have sold out, with limited services now operating toward Dhaka.

District BNP and affiliated organizations coordinated the large-scale movement, with unit-based vehicle lists prepared to ensure smooth travel. Leaders from the youth and student wings said they were eager to witness what they described as a historic moment for the party. Social media platforms have been flooded with images of convoys heading toward the capital.

The massive mobilization signals renewed enthusiasm among BNP supporters ahead of Rahman’s return, which party insiders view as a potential turning point in national politics. Authorities are expected to monitor traffic and security conditions closely as thousands converge on Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has instructed its leaders and activists in Sylhet not to gather at Osmani International Airport to welcome acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return from London on Thursday, December 25. The directive was issued through a press release by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s flight will arrive in Bangladesh via Sylhet before landing at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The party urged all levels of BNP and affiliated organizations to refrain from forming crowds at the airport, emphasizing discipline and adherence to party instructions.

The call for restraint appears aimed at avoiding public gatherings that could draw attention or create logistical challenges. BNP leaders in Sylhet district and metropolitan areas have been specifically asked to comply with the directive. Tarique Rahman’s return marks a significant political moment for the party, which has been preparing for renewed leadership activity ahead of future political developments.