Sylhet is the home of his in-laws, and while in the UK, he frequently referred to Sylhet as his "second home" during various events. After nearly 21 years, Tarique Rahman is returning to Sylhet—a period that included 17 years of exile in the United Kingdom. During his last visit, he was the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General; this time, he arrives as the party Chairman.

Notably, on December 25, during his return flight from the UK, the aircraft carrying Tarique Rahman first landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport for a brief stopover before heading to Dhaka. However, he did not disembark from the plane at that time due to security reasons.

The BNP Chairman is arriving in Sylhet today, Wednesday (January 21), to launch the party’s election campaign. He is scheduled to arrive by air on Wednesday afternoon and will stay overnight at a five-star hotel near the airport.

On Thursday morning, he will officially begin the election campaign by offering prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shahparan (R.). Following this, at 11:00 AM, Tarique Rahman will address a public rally at the Alia Madrasa grounds—the first official election rally for the BNP in the upcoming polls.

The BNP and its associate organizations are making extensive preparations to ensure the success of his visit. Daily processions, rallies, and leaflet distributions are being carried out, while the entire city is covered in banners, festoons, and billboards welcoming the leader.

The Alia Madrasa field is being prepared for the rally, with the stage construction nearly complete. An atmosphere of festivity prevails among party leaders and activists.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Sylhet District and Metropolitan BNP organized a press conference regarding the visit. Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, President of the District BNP, stated, "All of Sylhet is ready to welcome Tarique Rahman. The people of Sylhet are waiting with bated breath for their beloved leader."

Kaiyum Chowdhury added, "He is not just our party Chairman; he is a close relative of Sylhet. The people here are hospitable—we know how to honor and welcome our guests. He will begin the nationwide election campaign from here." He expects a gathering of over 300,000 people at Thursday's rally, including BNP candidates and activists from five constituencies in Sunamganj.

Meanwhile, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury confirmed that all necessary security measures have been put in place for the visit.

According to BNP leaders, after the rally at Alia Madrasa, Tarique Rahman will travel to Dhaka by road. On the way, he is scheduled to address two more public rallies as the chief guest in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, and Shayestaganj, Habiganj. In these meetings, he will formally introduce the parliamentary candidates of the respective districts and may address several wayside gatherings.

Tarique Rahman last visited Sylhet in 2005 as the Senior Joint Secretary General to attend a union-level representative conference at the Sylhet District Stadium, which generated significant public interest. Returning after 20 years, this marks his first visit outside Dhaka since becoming the Chairman of the BNP.

Starting an election campaign by visiting the shrines in Sylhet is a long-standing tradition for major political parties in Bangladesh, and Tarique Rahman is following that path. Following the founding of the BNP, Ziaur Rahman began his presidential campaign from Sylhet. Since 1991, Khaleda Zia also launched every election campaign from this city.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh with his family on December 25 after 18 years in exile. His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away on December 30. Ten days later, on Saturday night, the BNP Standing Committee officially declared him the Party Chairman.

In the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, he is contesting from the Bogra-6 and Dhaka-17 constituencies.

It is worth noting that Tarique Rahman’s in-laws reside in South Surma, Sylhet.