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BNP leaders and activists have gathered at the airport and the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to welcome the party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is returning home after receiving medical treatment in London for four months.
Leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliates from Dhaka and other parts of the country began to gather as the day broke on Tuesday.
As per the party’s previous announcements, they gathered on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Banani, Khilkhet and the airport area.
Some had wrapped bandanas with the party flag on their heads, while some carried the national flag. The party’s leaders and activists rode pickup trucks and buses. Music could be heard from the vehicles.
They chanted slogans saying “Welcome to Khaleda Zia” “Don’t be afraid, Khaleda Zia, we’re still on the streets”.
A large number of police, army, Rapid Action Battalion, Armed Police battalion and Ansar members have been deployed on the roads and near the airport area.
Khilkhet Chhatra Dal activist Ziaur Rahman told bdnews24.com, “The leader of this land and our people is returning home today. I came to welcome her. People in Bangladesh are waiting for their favourite leader.”
BNP supporter Azad Hossain from Paltan said, “Our leader, who never compromised, is returning after four months. This is a joyous occasion for us and the entire nation. People are looking forward to her arrival.”
Khaleda will arrive at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in a special air ambulance provided by Qatar’s emir around 10:30 am on Tuesday.
In a notice, the BNP asked its leaders and activists to welcome her as they carry national flags and party flags while standing beside the road. They were barred from following Khaleda’s car on motorcycles or on foot.
However, the party asked leaders and activists to gather on both sides of the road from the airport to Khaleda’s Gulshan home.
Meanwhile, Khaleda’s Gulshan residence Feroza on Road No. 80 has been prepared for her arrival.
Her daughters-in-law, Tarique Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman and Arafat Rahman’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman, are also returning home after 17 years.