BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, after spending many years in exile, is expected to move into a residence at House no 196 on Avenue Road in Gulshan-2 upon his return to Bangladesh. According to BNP sources, the two-story white house, shaded by trees and built on approximately 1.5 bighas of land, is now fully ready.
It is located right next to “Firoza,” the rented house where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia currently resides.
The house includes three bedrooms, a drawing room, dining and living rooms, a swimming pool, and other modern facilities.
After the death of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman in 1981, the house was allocated to his wife, Begum Khaleda Zia.
On June 4, the interim government officially handed over the ownership documents to Khaleda Zia, even though she had controlled the property since 1981 without formal registration.
For many years, the house was rented to the CEO of the multinational company British American Tobacco. He vacated the house six months ago. Since then, necessary renovations have been undertaken to make it suitable for Tarique Rahman’s residence. Before returning to London, Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, visited and inspected the property in person.
A visit to the house reveals that security has been significantly heightened after renovations. Law enforcement personnel were observed around the house. Armed police are stationed at the main gate and in surrounding areas. Members of the BNP chairperson's personal security team are also present.
Sources indicate that, considering Tarique Rahman as a potential future head of government, intelligence surveillance in plainclothes around the house has been increased. Movement on nearby roads is being closely monitored for any suspicious activity.
Over the past few days, there has been a noticeable increase in police patrols and the presence of intelligence officers, drawing public attention and curiosity. CCTV cameras have been installed in the vicinity, and uninterrupted electricity and backup generator power have also been ensured.
However, no one has officially confirmed the exact date of Tarique Rahman’s return. There are rumors that he may return before August 5 or after the announcement of the election schedule.
A BNP chairperson’s office official, requesting anonymity, said: “There is no confirmed information about when the acting chairman will return. It depends entirely on his decision.”
He added: “Tarique Rahman is the future prime minister. He will live in House no. 196 on Avenue Road, Gulshan. The house is already prepared for his residence.”
On March 7, 2007, during the caretaker government, Tarique Rahman was arrested. He was released on bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family for medical treatment on September 11. Since then, he has remained in London.
After Khaleda Zia was imprisoned on February 8, 2018, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission, Tarique Rahman, as per the party constitution, took over as acting chairman and has since led the party from abroad.
During the previous Awami League government, he was sentenced in five cases in absentia, and nearly a hundred cases were filed against him. However, following the fall of the Awami League government due to a mass uprising on August 5, he was acquitted of all convictions through legal proceedings. He has also been cleared from all other pending cases.
Currently, there are no cases against him.
