BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh within the next few weeks, according to Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the party’s standing committee. His remarks came during his address as the chief guest at the national conference of Purabi Bank Employees’ Association on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Hossain said Tarique Rahman’s leadership would be central to resisting what he described as a conspiracy aimed at derailing the democratic process. He alleged that attempts are underway to undermine the people’s right to vote, adding that forces opposed to the country’s independence and sovereignty are once again plotting against the nation.

He expressed concern that “a fallen autocrat” is attempting to stage a comeback through undemocratic means, threatening to snatch away the fundamental rights of the people. In his words, those who never truly believed in the country’s freedom are now working behind the scenes to destabilize the political landscape. Against this backdrop, he urged party activists, supporters, and the general public to remain vigilant, keeping their eyes and ears open to foil ongoing schemes.

The BNP leader also touched upon the issue of political reforms and electoral arrangements, particularly rejecting the idea of proportional representation (PR) as a demand raised by some quarters. Dr. Hossain argued that such a method was unconstitutional and illegal, warning that it could not simply be imposed as part of the country’s electoral system. “Constitutional matters cannot be thrown into the dustbin at will,” he said, underscoring that the nation’s guiding document must be respected and followed with sincerity.

He further added that the political discourse in the country must go beyond emotional reactions and should instead focus on genuine public aspirations. According to him, ignoring the voice of the people would only lead to further frustration, instability, and mistrust. For a nation that has struggled hard to achieve democracy and independence, he emphasized, no political agenda should be allowed to undermine the hard-earned rights of citizens.

Dr. Hossain reiterated that Tarique Rahman’s return would mark a turning point for the party and the broader opposition movement. The BNP, he stressed, was determined to fight back against what it sees as attempts to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the ruling powers. He described Tarique Rahman as a leader capable of mobilizing the masses and restoring their faith in democracy.

The announcement of Tarique’s possible return has already sparked discussions within the country’s political circles. Supporters of the BNP see his comeback as a sign of renewed strength for the opposition, while critics remain skeptical about the impact of his leadership, given his long absence from the country. Nevertheless, the statement from a senior party figure has raised expectations among the grassroots that the party will intensify its political activities in the coming weeks.

The broader political climate remains tense, with elections looming on the horizon. Allegations of plots, counter-plots, and conspiracies continue to dominate the rhetoric of both the ruling party and the opposition. As both camps prepare for a potentially contentious electoral season, the return of Tarique Rahman could become a pivotal moment in shaping the strategies of the BNP.

In his speech, Dr. Hossain made it clear that the party sees itself as the guardian of democracy in the current context. He accused the ruling authorities of attempting to stage-manage the political system while ignoring the genuine demands of the people. “The people’s expectations cannot be suppressed forever,” he remarked, warning that the suppression of democratic rights would only fuel further unrest.

While Tarique Rahman’s exact date of return has not yet been confirmed, Dr. Hossain’s assurance that it will happen “within weeks” has added fresh momentum to BNP supporters’ anticipation. For many within the party, his physical presence in Bangladesh would provide a psychological boost and help rally supporters in the face of mounting political challenges.

As the national conference came to a close, the message from the BNP’s senior leadership was clear: the opposition is preparing for a tougher, more confrontational stance against what it perceives as authoritarian tendencies in governance. The return of Tarique Rahman is being positioned not just as a personal matter for the party, but as a symbolic moment in the struggle for democratic rights in Bangladesh.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Tarique Rahman’s re-entry into the political scene reshapes the balance of power or simply adds another layer to the country’s already charged political dynamics. For now, the BNP leadership is signaling confidence, promising to resist all conspiracies and pledging to keep the fight for democracy alive under the leadership of their acting chairman.