Following a productive meeting in London with Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus—his chief advisor—BNP and its affiliate organisations nationwide have been energised. According to sources, Tarique Rahman may return before 5 August. Should there be any delay, he will return immediately after the announcement of the election schedule. His homecoming is anticipated during a politically volatile period, with Dhaka expected to witness an unprecedented gathering of two million people. Thousands of jubilant BNP activists from across the country are preparing to welcome him with open arms, transforming the capital into a political epicentre. After Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman is considered the most popular political figure in Bangladesh. His return is expected to trigger a tidal wave of enthusiasm across the country.
On 13 June, during the London meeting, Tarique Rahman demonstrated political foresight by clearly articulating the national interest and electoral concerns to Dr Yunus—Bangladesh’s only Nobel laureate and a globally renowned personality. His diplomatic handling of the situation has earned him widespread praise both at home and abroad. The success of the London meeting has dealt a significant blow to all anti-uprising and anti-election conspiracies, both domestically and internationally. It also helped resolve the impasse regarding BNP’s stance on the oath-taking of the DSCC mayor.
With the political deadlock easing, the country is now firmly on the path towards the general election, scheduled for the first half of February. With just under eight months remaining, expectations are high that a historic, people’s mandate-driven election will take place.
When asked whether Tarique Rahman’s return would face any obstacles, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury responded, “There is no issue—he is a citizen of Bangladesh and can return whenever he wants. The meeting between Dr Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman has cleared the air around the upcoming elections. It has driven the final nail into the coffin of all conspiracies. As a result, the public is feeling a sense of relief, while the conspirators are now in deep despair.”

Party insiders say grassroots leaders and workers are hopeful that Tarique Rahman will return very soon, particularly as key responsibilities such as nomination selection, party restructuring, and other internal matters await his direct leadership. Many expect him to return before 5 August. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed hope for his swift return, saying Tarique Rahman would “certainly return soon”, though he did not give a specific date.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also hinted at the same: “He will return soon, Inshallah. But I can’t mention the date just yet.”
Speculation intensified on Wednesday following a Facebook post by senior journalist Ashraf Kaiser, who claimed Tarique Rahman would return from London before 36 July (believed to be a typographical or symbolic expression). Of the 87 cases filed against him during the 1/11 regime and the Awami League government, many have been withdrawn or dismissed, with the remainder resulting in acquittals or bail. His legal team had earlier stated that there are no longer any legal impediments to his return.