300 Feet area turns into ‘sea of people’

Bangla Press Desk:   The 300 Feet area of the capital turned into a ‘sea of people’ on Thursday morning as BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh after nearly 17 years in exile.

To mark his long-awaited return and make the occasion memorable, the BNP organised a grand reception at the venue. Despite severe cold, thousands of party leaders and activists from across the country began gathering early in the morning.

From Kuril to the main stage area, a large number of supporters were seen making their way to the venue.

A festive atmosphere prevailed as party activists chanted slogans, with “Leader is coming” echoing repeatedly across the grounds. The area was adorned with placards and banners, while loudspeakers mounted on trucks played party songs and patriotic music.

Hawkers were seen selling food and water along the roads to cater to the gathering crowds.

Law enforcement agencies, including police and other security personnel, were deployed in large numbers to maintain order and ensure security throughout the area.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Baharul Alam visited the venue around 9:00pm on Wednesday to oversee security arrangements.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and member secretary of the reception committee, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, expressed optimism that the turnout could reach five million people. “Tarique Rahman will arrive today, 25 December. We are hopeful this area will turn into a grand gathering and a people’s festival,” he said.

After nearly one and a half decades abroad, Tarique Rahman is returning home from the United Kingdom. The aircraft carrying him departed London’s Heathrow Airport on Wednesday evening local time and is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 11:45am on Thursday.

BP/SP