Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s 19th jail release anniversary is being observed on Thursday, marking his release on bail on September 3, 2008, after nearly 18 months in detention during the 1/11 caretaker government.
Tarique was arrested from his residence in Dhaka Cantonment in the early hours of March 7, 2007, when he was the BNP’s senior joint secretary general.
Tarique Rahman remained in prison for nearly 18 months, during which he was subjected to severe physical torture, according to the BNP.
He was released on bail on September 3, 2008, after being granted bail in all the cases filed against him.
Just eight days later, he left Dhaka for London on September 11 for advanced medical treatment.
On December 25, 2025, Tarique returned home, ending his more than 17 years of exile in London.
BNP took part in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 and secured an absolute majority with 209 seats.
On February 17, Tarique Rahman assumed office as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The BNP and its leaders have been observing September 3 as Tarique’s jail release anniversary since his release in 2008.