Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, addressed a massive public rally in Dhaka on Wednesday, just hours after returning to Bangladesh following nearly two decades in exile. Speaking before an enormous gathering of supporters, Rahman laid out his vision for the country and echoed the words of late American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, declaring, “I have a plan,” as he called for collective action to reshape Bangladesh’s future.
Addressing thousands at Dhaka’s 300 Feet area, Rahman said the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their democratic rights, restore freedom of expression, and rebuild the nation through unity and participation. Drawing inspiration from King’s iconic “I have a dream” speech, he told the crowd that his plan could succeed only if the people stood together and actively supported the effort.
Beginning his speech with the words “Beloved Bangladesh,” Rahman expressed gratitude to party leaders, grassroots activists, and ordinary citizens who continued to stand with the BNP during his long absence from the country. He said their loyalty and perseverance had kept the party alive during difficult years.
“If you support us, I have a plan that can succeed for this country,” Rahman said, urging citizens from all sections of society to come forward and contribute to the task of national rebuilding. He emphasised that progress would not be possible without widespread public involvement.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s history, Rahman linked past struggles with the present moment. He referred to the 1971 Liberation War, later popular uprisings and mass movements, and the events of 2024, when people from across the country protested against the government of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said these moments of resistance showed the people’s enduring desire for justice and democracy.
Rahman said honouring those who sacrificed their lives in 1971 and again in 2024 meant building a nation that reflected their aspirations. According to him, citizens now want to reclaim their right to speak freely and to live under a truly democratic system of governance.
Stressing the need for unity, Rahman said Bangladesh had reached a point where cooperation across political, social, and religious lines was essential. He highlighted the country’s diversity and said Bangladesh belongs equally to people of all faiths and beliefs.
“This is a land of hills and plains, a home for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike,” he said. “We want to build a safe Bangladesh—a country where every woman, man, and child can leave home without fear and return safely.”
Reiterating this vision, Rahman said safety, peace, and stability were central to his plan. He repeatedly stated that the BNP’s goal was to restore peace in the country and to re-establish discipline, democratic values, and respect for institutions. He also underlined that political reform must go hand in hand with building a strong and inclusive economy.
Paying tribute to Osman Hadi, an anti-India activist who was shot by unidentified assailants and later died, Rahman said Hadi had dreamed of a democratic Bangladesh where people could enjoy both political freedom and economic rights. He said such aspirations should guide the country’s path forward.
Looking ahead, Rahman placed particular emphasis on the role of young people, saying the younger generation would be decisive in shaping Bangladesh’s future. He urged them to take responsibility for ensuring development, stability, and national unity.
Concluding his address, Rahman appealed to all citizens to work together to turn his vision into reality, stressing that only collective effort could make meaningful change possible. He also asked the crowd to pray for his mother, Khaleda Zia, who is currently hospitalised in Dhaka, saying his thoughts and emotions remain with her.
Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Wednesday after 17 years abroad and received a rousing welcome from BNP leaders and supporters upon his arrival in Dhaka. Later in the day, he met Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, to discuss the prevailing political situation.
His return comes amid significant political turbulence following the death of Osman Hadi, which triggered violent protests by supporters in several parts of the country, particularly in Dhaka. Protesters have demanded justice for Hadi and alleged foreign involvement in his killing.
In recent days, members of the minority Hindu community have also faced attacks, with incidents of arson and vandalism reported. In one particularly shocking case, a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob over alleged blasphemy and set on fire while unconscious.
These developments have further strained Bangladesh’s already tense relations with India, which has called on the interim government to ensure the safety and rights of minority communities. Against this backdrop, Rahman faces the difficult task of rebuilding public trust and steering the BNP through a period of deep political uncertainty as the country moves toward elections scheduled for February 2026.
