TDS Desk:

After 17 years in exile abroad, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended a reception rally on 300 Feet Road in Purbachal, following a homecoming that saw thousands of emotional supporters and BNP activists lining the streets of Dhaka, starting his speech with the words, “Beloved Bangladesh.”

‘We want peace, peace, peace,’ the BNP leader emphasised, also saying he has a plan for the country and its people.

“We will build a Bangladesh that a mother dreams of,” Tarique pledged.

“We aspire to build a Bangladesh that serves as a sanctuary; a land where every mother can rest easy, knowing her children are safe within its embrace,” he added.

The people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak, he said, adding, “They want to receive fair rights based on their merit. Today, the time has come for all of us to come together to build the nation.”

“At any cost, we must ensure that people can remain safe.”

Tarique’s convoy, led by a red-and-green bus bearing the slogan “Bangladesh First”, arrived in the 300 Feet area earlier this afternoon (25 December).

Earlier, the BNP leader was spotted standing at the front of the bus, waving and smiling at people who had gathered from across the country to catch a glimpse of him. He is expected to join the rally and address the gathering very soon.

The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 11:40am today after a brief stopover in Sylhet.

The 300 Feet Road area has been transformed into a massive gathering point since yesterday. A 48ft by 36ft stage has been erected on the service lane of the road, also known as the July 36 Expressway, where Tarique is scheduled to deliver a brief address.

Security remains tight, with members of the army, BGB, and police deployed along the route.

Despite the heavy security, crowds have surged, chanting slogans like “The leader is coming” and “Tarique Rahman is the soul of Bangladesh.”

Following the brief address in Purbachal, Tarique is expected to proceed directly to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

He will later head to his residence in Gulshan, a house he left behind nearly two decades ago.