Tarique Rahman Won't Return in November, Eyes December Arrival

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will not return home this month, despite earlier hints of a November homecoming. Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed had announced last month that Tarique would arrive in the "ongoing month of November." However, he will now land in Dhaka shortly after the election schedule is announced in December, as confirmed by BNP Chairperson's chief security adviser Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar.

Akbar told a private TV channel in an interview on Saturday, "Tarique Rahman will return home in December. He will arrive in the first week of December, after 17 years away."

He added that geopolitical reasons and current security concerns necessitate caution. "The government will provide special security for his safety," Akbar assured.

Tarique, 59, has been living in exile in London since September 2008, facing multiple convictions in absentia for corruption and the 2004 grenade attack.

Originally, Tarique planned to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah before heading home, but with the current situation, he will postpone it until after the elections.

Sources say Tarique will stay near his mother's residence upon return. Renovations are underway at the family's Gulshan home at 196 Road, with fresh paint outside and security upgrades inside, including barbed wire on walls.

His office at BNP Chairperson's office on 86 Road, Gulshan-2, is also being refurbished with enhanced security.

Last month, the Home Ministry approved two bulletproof vehicles for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Akbar expects arms licenses soon.