Tarique Rahman walks from home to party office

Two weeks after returning to the country, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman was seen walking on the streets of the capital on Friday.

In the afternoon, he walked from his residence at house 196 on Gulshan Avenue to the BNP chairperson’s political office on Road 86 in Gulshan-2.

BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman left his residence at 3:45pm and reached the party office at 4:04pm on foot.

Party leaders said the decision to walk to the office was taken suddenly, prompting security personnel to act swiftly.

Under tight security, Tarique Rahman arrived at the office wearing a black suit. He was accompanied by Atikur Rahman Rumon and chief security officer retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam.

Many passers-by who recognised him waved and greeted him along the way.

After spending more than a decade and a half in exile in London, the BNP acting chairman returned home on December 25. Despite being in mourning following the death of his mother and party chairperson Khaleda Zia, he has been attending the office regularly.

Party sources said he has been holding daily meetings with foreign diplomats and leaders of various political parties. He is also busy with organisational activities and meetings with party leaders ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.

On Friday, Tarique Rahman met Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz and Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle.

A BNP standing committee meeting will be held at the Gulshan office at 9pm on Friday, with Tarique Rahman presiding.