The 300-foot road in Bashundhara, Dhaka, has turned into a sea of people, with thousands gathering to welcome BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, marking his homecoming after nearly 17 years of exile in London.

The 300-foot road and nearby areas were already packed by 8:00am. 

Leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies filled the area in front of the stage and its surroundings, leaving no room even to move.

The stage has been prepared with 19 chairs, while members of the security forces are deployed around the stage and across the venue.

Supporters from different parts of the country have been arriving since early morning. Shamim, who came from Feni, reached Dhaka before dawn.

“We have only seen Tarique Bhai on Facebook for years. Today we will see him in person,” he said. “Four of us friends came together just to see him.”

Processions of party leaders and activists are arriving through highways and roads from both the east and the west, and the flow of people has not stopped.

Special trains carrying BNP supporters from Barishal, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Chattogram, Khulna and Mymensingh arrived in Dhaka at different times during the night.

From Barishal, BNP supporter Raju Ahmed arrived in Dhaka early in the morning by launch, along with his two sons and a nephew.

“We have seen how Tarique Rahman faced political revenge for more than 17 years after 1/11. So many injustices were done to him. Even his speeches were banned from broadcast. Can such things be imagined in the modern world?” he said.

Flight carrying Tarique Rahman lands in Sylhet

Despite the cold, Raju said they came to Dhaka only to see Tarique Rahman from close by. “Look around—people have come from faraway places for one reason: their love for Tarique Rahman and the BNP.”

The reception area on the 300-foot road in Bashundhara is now completely full. 

Supporters are arriving in processions from different points, including the airport, Purbachal, Banani and Jamuna Future Park, to welcome Tarique Rahman.

The entire area has taken on a festive mood, filled with slogans and cheers. Small processions, some accompanied by band music, continue to arrive.

Meanwhile, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Thursday morning.

Flight BG-102, carrying Tarique Rahman and his entourage, landed at 9:57am. The flight had departed London’s Heathrow Airport at around 12:23am (BST).

Leaders and supporters gathered at the Sylhet airport to welcome the BNP leader.

After an hour-long stopover, the flight is scheduled to depart Sylhet and land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:50am.

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, are set to receive him at the Dhaka airport. Tarique Rahman is travelling with his wife Zubaida Rahman, his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides.

After arriving in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation near the 300-foot area, where thousands have gathered.

He is expected to thank the people and offer a short prayer of gratitude for his safe return.