TDS Desk:

Traffic on the Mohakhali–Airport road in the capital came to a halt this morning as busloads of BNP leaders, activists and supporters entered Dhaka to join the mass reception marking the return of the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, today (25 December).

From 11am to 12 noon, buses were seen arriving in the Mohakhali area one after another, decorated with banners, festoons and party flags bearing the names of different districts.

Photo: Collected

After parking their buses in Mohakhali, leaders and activists were seen getting down and walking towards the reception venue, adding to congestion in the area.

Police stopped public transport movement on the road from Mohakhali Amtali to the airport.

No buses or other public vehicles were allowed to pass, while only vehicles carrying airline passengers were permitted. The situation was observed at 11:40am.

Photo: Collected

Earlier today, Tarique Rahman returned to the country on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, which landed in Dhaka after initially touching down at Sylhet airport.

BNP leaders and supporters have made extensive arrangements in the capital to welcome their leader, with heightened security measures in place across the city.

A stage has been set up at 300 Feet area in Purbachal for the reception, and crowds have been gathering there since yesterday (24 December).

The area has now turned into a large crowd, with BNP leaders and activists arriving from different parts of the country to attend the programme.