The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing an elaborate reception for party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is set to return to Dhaka on Tuesday morning following a four-month stay in London for medical treatment.
Originally scheduled to return on Monday, Khaleda Zia’s arrival was delayed by a day. She is now expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30 am on Tuesday aboard an air ambulance, accompanied by her daughters-in-law—Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman.
At a press conference on Sunday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi outlined a detailed plan to welcome her. Party supporters from different wings will line designated segments of the route from the airport to her Gulshan residence, Firoza.
Supporters from BNP’s Dhaka North City unit, Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Shechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, and several other affiliated organisations will form a human chain along the road, each group assigned to a specific stretch of the route. Professional bodies, including the Muktijoddha Dal and Mohila Dal, along with the party’s National Executive Committee members, will also join the welcome line in the Gulshan area.
Strict instructions have been issued to maintain order: supporters must stay on one side of the road, hold only national or party flags, and refrain from using motorcycles or walking beside Khaleda Zia’s vehicle. No one will be allowed inside the airport premises or her residence upon arrival.
The air ambulance carrying Khaleda Zia departed from Heathrow at 6:15 pm London time on Monday and will make a brief stop in Doha before reaching Dhaka.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged both party members and the public to avoid causing congestion and suggested using the elevated expressway from the airport to Kakoli to ease traffic flow.
The BNP has also requested law enforcement to ensure security at both her Gulshan residence and Dr Zubaida Rahman’s family home in Dhanmondi. Party officials confirmed that her home in Gulshan has been readied for her return. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police will provide an escort during her journey from the airport.
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