From early Thursday morning (December 25), a huge crowd flooded the BNP-organized reception venue on the 36 July Expressway in Purbachal. The surrounding roads, flyovers and nearby areas were packed with enthusiastic supporters.

BNP leaders and activists from different districts including Jashore, Kushtia, Chattogram, Rangpur and Bogura began arriving at the venue from Wednesday night. The entire area was decorated with national and party flags, banners and slogans, creating a festive atmosphere.

Supporters said they came to Dhaka to welcome Tarique Rahman, who is returning to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years in exile.

“Tarique Rahman’s return after such a long time has brought this massive turnout,” said Saiduzzaman Sagar, a supporter from Jashore.

Another supporter, Yusuf, said they arrived early and spent the night under the open sky just to catch a glimpse of their leader.

After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Tarique Rahman will head directly to the reception venue, where he will address the gathering as the sole speaker.

Following the event, he will visit Evercare Hospital to meet his mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, before returning to his residence in Gulshan.

Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the caretaker government period and remained in custody for nearly 18 months. He left for London in September 2008 for medical treatment and had remained abroad since then. His return marks the end of a long chapter of political exile.