Tarique Rahman's reception: Stage being prepared as crowds of leaders, activists continue to grow
The BNP is organising a public reception to mark the return of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman.
As part of the preparations for the event, construction of the stage is underway in the 300-foot area of Purbachal in the capital.
After nearly a decade and a half, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to the country from London tomorrow, Thursday (25 December), in the afternoon.
A visit to the venue on Wednesday morning found that colourful banners and festoons welcoming Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh have been put up along both sides of the road, from Kuril to the stretch beyond the reception stage.
A massive 48-foot by 36-foot stage, made of bamboo and wood and facing south, is being built on the northern side of the road some distance from the Kuril intersection.
Construction of the main structure of the stage has already been completed, with only decoration work remaining.
Tents for law enforcement agencies have been set up on both sides of the stage, and microphones have been installed on the street lamp posts.
It is reported that tomorrow at 11:55am, the aircraft carrying Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Upon his return, party leaders and activists will welcome him at the airport. Afterwards, the party will hold a reception for Tarique Rahman in the 300-foot area. From there, he will visit his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. He is then expected to return to his residence in Gulshan.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of Tarique Rahman’s arrival, leaders and activists from various districts have already started arriving in Dhaka. To participate in the party’s programme, they are coming on their own initiative by hiring buses, trucks, and minibuses, carrying Bangladesh and BNP party flags.
On the ground in front of the reception stage near Kuril, a large number of leaders and activists from across the country have gathered. They are arriving at the venue in multiple separate processions. Some are standing in front of the stage doing Facebook Live broadcasts, while others are energizing the area with slogans such as, “Mother and land are calling, Tarique Rahman is coming,” and “Tarique Rahman, the brave, will now come to Bangladesh.” Police personnel have been seen on duty there, along with members of the BNP Chairperson Security Force (CSF).
In front of the stage built for Tarique Rahman’s public reception, a conversation was held with Ferdous Navid, Vice President of the North South University Chhatra Dal. He told Prothom Alo that in the coming days, under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, they will unite to build a new Bangladesh—one that will ensure justice, freedom of expression, voting rights, and governance by the people. With the hope of this historic moment, they are all eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Anwar Hossain, Joint Convener of the Ghatail Upazila Jubo Dal in Tangail, arrived in Dhaka yesterday, Tuesday, to take part in the reception organised to mark Tarique Rahman’s return to his homeland. Standing in front of the stage, he told Prothom Alo, “We have come to welcome the future Prime Minister of Bangladesh and our leader. We believe that the people will vote for the BNP and make our leader, Tarique Rahman, the Prime Minister.”
Farzana Yasmin Ruma, Secretary of the Patuakhali District Women’s Wing, also arrived in Dhaka yesterday to welcome Tarique Rahman. She told Prothom Alo, “We have arrived early. More leaders and activists will come by launch to attend tomorrow’s programme. We want to give our leader a historic welcome.”
Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 following the political change on 11 January. He was released from prison in 2008 and went to the United Kingdom with his family for medical treatment. He has remained there since.