Overview
- Rahman, the BNP’s acting chairman and a leading contender for prime minister, landed in Dhaka to a massive welcome as supporters lined the route from the airport to a reception site.
- Authorities mounted an extensive security operation in the capital, deploying army, BGB and police units and restricting drones and photography near sensitive locations.
- Key legal obstacles were removed over the past year, including acquittals in the 2004 grenade attack and Zia Orphanage Trust cases, with officials confirming a one-time travel pass enabled his return.
- Party plans say Rahman would address supporters, visit his hospitalized mother Khaleda Zia, and complete voter registration on Dec. 27 as he prepares for the campaign.
- The homecoming follows weeks of unrest after student leader Osman Hadi’s killing, attacks on media outlets, and incidents targeting minorities, with regional strains evident as India’s Chattogram visa services were suspended following protests.