TDS Desk:

The BNP is organising a reception programme today (25 December) in the 300-feet road area of Purbachal in the capital to mark the homecoming of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and a huge crowd has gathered with hardly any room left to stand.

By 8am, the 300-feet road and surrounding areas were filled with people. The front of the stage and nearby spaces were completely occupied.

The stage is prepared with 19 chairs, and security personnel are positioned around it. BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan has requested that no drones be used near the stage, following instructions from security personnel.

Photo: Collected

Tarique Rahman is returning after 17 years in exile. He left London’s Heathrow Airport yesterday (24 November) at 6pm local time on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines London to Dhaka flight. His scheduled arrival time in Dhaka is 11:55am.

Photo: Collected

Processions are moving along the highway, and the flow of people continues. Leaders and activists from Barishal, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Chattogram, Khulna and Mymensingh reached Dhaka overnight on special trains.

The reception venue on the 300-feet road is packed. From the airport area, Purbachal, Banani and Jamuna Future Park, leaders and activists are marching to greet Tarique Rahman.

Slogans are being chanted across the area, and small processions are arriving with band music.