Dhaka’s 300 Feet Road swarms with BNP supporters ahead of Tarique Rahman’s return

Supporters from across the country arrived overnight, with many sleeping outdoors near the venue of a rally to mark his return

The July 36 Expressway in Dhaka's Purbachal, commonly known as the 300 Feet Road, has transformed into a sea of people as supporters gathered from early morning to welcome BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on his return home after 17 years in exile.

By 8am on Thursday, the entire stretch from the Kuril Bishwa Road to a specially-built reception stage was packed with party leaders and activists.

Supporters from across the country arrived overnight, with many sleeping outdoors near the venue of the rally to mark his return. By mid-morning, the area around the stage was already full, creating a festive atmosphere.

Chants of “The leader is coming” echoed through the crowd, alongside banners and placards welcoming Tarique.

Tarique, the elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, left London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on Wednesday evening. He is expected to land in Dhaka at 11:55am on Thursday, travelling via Sylhet.

He is due to travel directly from the airport to the reception site on the 300 Feet Road, where a 48ft by 36ft stage has been erected on the service lane beside the highway.

A banner on the stage reads: “The historic homecoming of Tarique Rahman”. Nineteen chairs have been placed on the platform, with security personnel stationed nearby.

Many supporters said they had travelled long distances to attend the event. Sanah Ullah, who came from Kushtia early in the morning, said he had only seen Tarique on social media until now. “Today I will finally see him in person,” he said.

Another supporter, Subid Master, travelled overnight by launch from Patuakhali with members of his family. He said he wanted to see Tarique up close after what he described as years of political persecution. “People have come from far and wide for one reason -- because they support Tarique Rahman and the BNP,” he said.

Processions continued to arrive throughout the morning from different entry points, including the airport, Banani and Jamuna Future Park. Some groups were accompanied by bands, while trucks and buses fitted with loudspeakers played music to energise the crowd.

Street vendors lined parts of the route, selling food and water to supporters.

Police have deployed a large number of officers across the area. On Wednesday night, Inspector General of Police Dr Baharul Alam visited the reception site along with senior officials to review security arrangements.

BNP organisers said they were expecting a turnout of up to five million people.

Senior party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said earlier this week that the area would turn into “a massive gathering and a grand fair” on the day of Tarique's return.