To welcome BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman home, supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party from the southern region of the country have arrived in Dhaka by launch, as he is scheduled to return to the capital on Thursday.
Party leaders and activists from several southern districts reached Dhaka through river routes on Wednesday, saying they want to be present to receive Tarique Rahman upon his return after a long period abroad.
BNP sources said more supporters are expected to arrive in the capital from different parts of the country ahead of Thursday as the party prepares to mark the occasion politically.
Law enforcement agencies said they are monitoring the situation and have taken necessary measures to maintain law and order in and around the capital.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman left Heathrow Airport early Thursday for Dhaka, ending nearly 17 years in exile in London and sparking widespread interest, emotion and political excitement across the country.
His flight left London’s Heathrow Airport for Dhaka at 6:36pm local time on Wednesday (12:36am Bangladesh time) and is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45am. He is travelling with his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman.
Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at the airport. Tarique is travelling with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family.”
