BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday said a sense of insecurity has gripped the nation even though the party prepares to welcome its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on his return home this week.

“The entire nation is under a security fear at this moment. We are trying to ensure security as much as needed, and the rest is in Allah’s hands,” he said.

Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, made the remarks while responding to a question over whether there is any security concern around Tarique’s homecoming.

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He talked to reporters during his visit to the party’s reception venue being set up at 300 Feet in the capital to welcome Tarique on his return home.

Abbas said BNP is fully prepared to welcome Tarique Rahman, and his return will have political significance.

“Tarique Rahman’s return is politically meaningful. His arrival will certainly have an impact across the country, and people are already discussing it,” he said.

Abbas said BNP has not planned to gather lakhs of people for the reception programme, but spontaneous crowds may gather.

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“We did not plan for lakhs of people to assemble… Our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is coming, and there is an awakening among the people of the country. We hope that will be reflected,” the BNP leader said.

He said they have not made any big plan to bring people from across the country. “But if such a gathering takes place, there is nothing we can do. People are inspired by Tarique Rahman’s return, and we expect a huge turnout,” Abbas said.

Asked whether the BNP is getting cooperation from the interim government over arrangements, he said, “I cannot say how much cooperation we are getting, but there is no non-cooperation.”

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Abbas also said people are waiting to see Tarique Rahman’s arrival, and the party hopes it will create a new wave of public enthusiasm.

Tarique Rahman, who has been living in London since September 2008, is scheduled to return home on Thursday (Dec 25).