After nearly 17 years, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is returning home on Thursday, December 25. His return to the country has created an atmosphere of political tension and anticipation across the country, including the capital. Tight security arrangements have been made along his route in Dhaka—from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to his residence in Gulshan.
The entire security operation will be centrally supervised from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) headquarters. Thousands of law enforcement personnel will be deployed at the field level. Along with the police, the BNP Chairperson Security Force (CSF) will perform security duties in a coordinated manner.
Intelligence sources said that a risk-based security plan has been adopted around Tarique Rahman’s house, routes and related areas. Police surveillance and check posts have been increased on roads and areas where the risk is relatively high. Arrangements have also been made to quickly deploy additional forces if necessary.
In anticipation of this return, several high-level meetings were held at the Home Ministry, attended by the Home Affairs Advisor, the Inspector General of Police, and top intelligence officials. The meetings analyzed potential security risks and finalized the final plan.
According to law enforcement officials, extra police patrolling has begun since midnight on Tuesday. There will be a special security zone in every police station area from the airport to Evercare Hospital and Gulshan, extending to a 300-foot area. Plainclothes police and the ‘Special Scots’ unit will also be on duty.
DMP Uttara Division Deputy Police Commissioner Md. Shahriar Ali said that the security system will be fully supervised from the DMP headquarters. Security will be ensured through the distribution of integrated responsibilities, not a single department. In his words, “Adequate measures have already been taken, and if necessary, they will be further strengthened.”
According to analysts, Tarique Rahman’s return is not just a personal repatriation—it is also being considered a significant moment in the country’s political arena.