From elders to teenagers, diverse masses throng to welcome Tarique Rahman home

A sea of people from all walks of life thronged the 300 Feet Road on Thursday to welcome BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman back to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.

“I have come to see Tarique, as I have long admired his father and mother, and now I want to see him lead the country from the front,” said 65-year-old Aasia Khatun, overwhelmed by the massive turnout. She was among thousands of elderly supporters who joined the jubilant crowd.

Khalilur Rahman, who travelled from Chapainawabganj days earlier, said: “I came to witness how much popularity Mr Tarique Rahman has gained after nearly two decades abroad. We even spent Thursday night near the stage to see him.”

The gathering was not limited to older generations. Teenagers also flocked to the venue. Thirteen-year-old Asif Rahman said: “I have been hearing his name since I was born, so I came today to see him with my own eyes.” He was accompanied by his father, Habibur Rahman, and a friend.

“I took one day’s leave to join the gathering,” said 55-year-old Maidina Begum.

People from all sections of society thronged the spot, and organisers estimated that more than 10 million people filled the area to greet the BNP leader.

Tarique Rahman arrived from London, stepping onto Bangladeshi soil for the first time in more than 17 years.

Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with family members, received him at the airport. His mother-in-law welcomed him with a floral garland.

Dressed in a light grey checkered blazer over a crisp white shirt, Tarique removed his shoes and stepped barefoot onto the ground, symbolically picking up a handful of earth to mark his return.

He later stood beside the driver’s seat of a bus bearing the slogan “Bangladesh First”, smiling and waving as crowds surged forward to catch a glimpse of their returning leader.

Azizjst@yahoo.com