Thousands gather to welcome Khaleda Zia at Dhaka airport
BNP leaders and activists have begun gathering along the route from the airport to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan residence, Firoza, to greet the former prime minister.
Hundreds of BNP activists were seen walking along the road near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to receive the party chairperson. Many arrived from across the country this morning, carrying Khaleda Zia's photographs, party flags, placards with welcome messages, and banners in anticipation of her return.
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People were seen travelling in groups on pickups and motorcycles, waving party flags.
Many stood along the road holding banners, festoons, and flowers. Some chanted slogans to welcome Khaleda Zia, while others wore T-shirts bearing her image and headbands as a show of support.
On the ground, BNP leaders and activists were seen standing along the footpaths. Party volunteers were actively working to keep them off the road and ensure they remained on the pavements. However, in some areas, the crowd had spilled slightly onto the street, causing slow vehicular movement in several sections.
The BNP has issued detailed instructions to its members regarding the reception, while law enforcement agencies have enforced strict security measures along the entire route.
A heavy deployment of uniformed and plainclothes law enforcement personnel has been observed at key points since early today.
Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Dhaka this morning following four months of advanced medical treatment in London.
She is being flown back on a special air ambulance provided by the Qatari royal family, which departed from Heathrow Airport last night and is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:30am, following a stopover in Doha.
In addition to heightened security, the party has instructed its supporters to maintain discipline during the welcome procession. Khaleda Zia is being accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman, on her return journey.
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