BNP leaders and supporters turned out in large numbers on Tuesday to welcome party Chairperson Khaleda Zia as she returned to Dhaka after four months of medical treatment in London.
Crowds began gathering early in the morning along the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, especially in the Banani, Khilkhet, and airport areas, responding to the party’s call.
Supporters, many wearing headbands with the party flag and carrying national flags, arrived in buses and pickup trucks, playing music and chanting slogans such as “Welcome to Khaleda Zia” and “Don’t be afraid, Khaleda Zia, we’re still on the streets.”
Khaleda’s residence in Gulshan, named Feroza, was fully prepared for her return. Security was tight across the capital, with large deployments of police, army personnel, Rapid Action Battalion, Armed Police Battalion, and Ansar forces stationed along the route and near the airport.
BNP had urged members to line both sides of the road from the airport to Gulshan to greet their leader. Khaleda’s daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman, also returned with her—marking their first visit to Bangladesh in 17 years.
