Reza Mahmud :
The BNP has initiate all-out efforts to make its citing Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming a ‘historic milestone’.
After nearly 17 years of life in exile, Tarique Rahman is set to return to the country tomorrow (Thursday).
Political analysts said, Tarique Rahman might face huge challenges which were piled during the past times in the party. He also might face challenges emerged in the changing political atmosphere after Hasina’s fall.
They said, Tarique has to address the desires of the country’s pro-nationalists and pro-religious people in the face of the efforts of returning pro-Indian so called intellectual groups rising.
A majority people of the country hope Tarique will patronise the pro-nationalist sentiment shunning the called intellectuals’ efforts of pushing the BNP towards pro-India polarization.
Common pro-BNP people warned that a group of intellectual now artificially fabricated themselves’ as ‘BNP lover’ and tried to push the party far from its roots Bangladeshi nationalism.
When contacted, eminent political analyst Professor Dr. SM Ali Reza of Dhaka University told The New Nation on Tuesday, “Obviously Tarique Rahman’s return make the BNP revived.
All the partymen will be revitalized getting the main leader among them.”
The Professor said, “Tarique Rahman’s main challenge will be creating a meaningful unity with all political parties.
He has to create an political environment of competitive cooperation among all political parties indiscriminately right or left lining.”
The expert said, political parties have their own idealism so keeping those intake, the parties have to go together for the sake of the nation’s greater interest.
Meanwhile, prominent political analyst Professor Dilara Chowdhury said, Tarique Rahman’s main challenge would be creating greater unity keeping different idealistic people together.
Besides, unity, Tarique Rahman also faces several challenges ahead of the upcoming 13th national election.
Party men said, as the largest political party BNP simply has given utmost priority of the upcoming 13th national election.
As part of their election related work, the party has firstly identified its challenges ahead which Tarique Rahman has to address.
The party found Khaleda Zia’s health condition as a challenge as public speculation over the issue might impact on the election.
Tarique Rahman homecoming and his security issue also a challenge for the party.
Overall security conditions of the country ahead of polls also a challenge as the party considering.
Party’s infightings over polls nomination and allies’ dissatisfactions also a challenge, the party identified.
Keeping sharp eye on contender’s strategies is also the BNP high-up take as a challenge.
Party’s image crisis over local leaders’ involvement in extortions also a challenge which have to address, insiders said.
Party leaders said, to mark Tarique’s homecoming historic in a memorable way, the BNP prepared to gather a massive rally in Tarique Rahman’s reception.
As part of this, the preparations are in full swing to build a massive reception stage in the 300 Feet area of the capital, Dhaka.
Construction of the stage began on Sunday afternoon along a section of the 300 Feet road from World Road toward Purbachal, where members of the reception committee are working day and night.
BNP leaders said that Tarique Rahman will arrive from London on a regular commercial flight, landing in Sylhet before touching down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:55 am.
From the airport, he will proceed via Banani and Kakoli directly to the 300 Feet area’s stage where he will address millions of people gathered there.
BNP has already received formal written permission from the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office to organize this colourful reception event.
The approval letter was handed over to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday night.
A high-level reception committee has been formed to welcome Tarique Rahman, with BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as convenor and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary.
BNP leaders are hopeful that this reception will be unprecedented and will surpass all previous records in the country’s political history.
To ensure the participation of millions of people arriving from across the country, applications have already been submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Railways for special trains and additional rail carriages, alongside buses and launches.
However, keeping public inconvenience in mind, the party has planned to carry out the programme in a disciplined and orderly manner.
To welcome their beloved leader in a heroic manner, strict security measures are being taken across the capital, including at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
After a long wait, people from every corner of the country are now eagerly awaiting the historic moment of December 25 to catch a glimpse of the party’s chief leader.
His return has sparked renewed momentum and discussion in the country’s political landscape, carrying particular significance in the context of the upcoming national election.
To mark his return, celebratory rallies have already been held in several districts across the country.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the party’s Standing Committee, believes that Tarique Rahman’s return to the country will further energize democratic politics and strengthen the party organizationally.
Various BNP affiliate bodies, including Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, have already begun large-scale preparations to welcome him.
Party sources said that upon his return, Tarique Rahman will stay at Firoza in Gulshan and at a nearby residence.
In light of this, an increased gathering of party leaders and activists and heightened political activity in the capital are expected.
Special preparations are also underway regarding Tarique Rahman’s accommodation.
Renovation work is in progress at the house on Gulshan Avenue. If the house is not fully ready within the stipulated time, he may move into his mother Khaleda Zia’s rented residence, “Firoza.” Khaleda Zia is currently receiving VVIP security along with SSF protection; therefore, if Tarique Rahman stays there, a strong, integrated security perimeter involving the SSF, CSF, and the police will be established.
Intelligence surveillance has also been increased around his office and along his travel routes.
From the government side, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that the highest level of security will be ensured for Tarique Rahman.
Law enforcement agencies have been given the necessary instructions in this regard.
