BNP plans big for Khaleda's return today

The BNP is planning a large gathering to receive party chief Khaleda Zia today at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The former premier is scheduled to return home today at 5:40pm by an Emirates Airlines flight after her visit to London for around three months, said BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Party leaders and activists would welcome Khaleda at the airport on her arrival like in previous times, he said, adding that they were also asked to stand on pavements, not on the streets.

"In a democratic country, there is no reason to obstruct any political programme. Police will take measures if they block roads and hamper security," AKM Shahidul Hoque, inspector general of police, told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, six arrest warrants have so far been issued against the BNP chairperson in different cases.

Of them, a Dhaka court has cancelled Khaleda's bail and issued arrest warrants for her in two cases -- the Zia Orphanage and the Zia Charitable Trust graft.

Two more warrants have been served on her in Dhaka in two other cases filed in connection with undermining the country's map and the national flag and celebrating her “false birthday” on August 15 every year.

The remaining warrants have been issued against the BNP chief in Comilla in two cases filed over violence during hartals in February in 2015.

Court sources said a copy of the arrest warrant of undermining the country's map and the national flag case was sent to Gulshan Police Station on October 12.

But Abu Bakar Siddique, officer-in-charge of the police station, yesterday said they did not get any such copy.

On July 15, Khaleda went to London for treatment and spending time with her family members. Her elder son and also BNP's Senior Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman is now staying in London.

The BNP chief on August 8 underwent a successful eye surgery at a hospital in London. She also celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with her family members there.