Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS) – Dhaka erupted in celebration today as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned home, greeted by a human sea of supporters with a forest of flags, and roaring chants. 

With Bangladesh’s political landscape witnessing a historic and emotionally charged moment, his arrival was more than a political event as it transformed the capital into a city of celebration, filled with enthusiasm, devotion, and joy.

From the early hours of the morning, areas surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and 300-feet road area were teamed with supporters and party leaders. Thousands lined both sides of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Road from early morning to welcome him.

Party leaders and activists along with the common people from across the country had traveled overnight to be part of the celebration. By dawn, the 300-feet road, its adjoining lanes, and surrounding streets were filled to capacity, a river of anticipation and excitement.

As the morning progressed, the number of party supporters steadily increased, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere along the key thoroughfare. Leaders and activists from different districts and thanas gathered with party flags, banners, placards and flowers to greet Tarique Rahman upon his arrival.

The people were seen chanting various slogans including 'Tarique Rahman Asche, Ma-Mati Dakche', 'Ajker Ei Din e, Shaheed Zia Mone Pore', 'Tomar Amar Marka, Dhaner Shis Marka', 'Tarique Rahmaner Agomon, Suveceshha Sagotom', 'Desh Neta Asche, Bangladesh Kapche' etc.

Leaders and activists of BNP's Dhaka North City unit were seen taking positions in areas adjacent to the airport, while those from the Dhaka South City unit lined both sides of the road from Khilkhet to the 300-feet road near the Bashundhara Residential Area.
 
As the first glimpse of Tarique Rahman’s plane appeared in the sky, the crowd erupted in joyous cheers. “Welcome, welcome, Tarique Rahman welcome!” and “Tarique Rahman is the soul of Bangladesh!” echoed through the air. 

Thousands of supporters, old and young, waved national and party flags, holding banners and placards aloft. The excitement was palpable, the streets transformed into a sea of jubilant people eager to catch a glimpse of their leader.

Among the crowd, university student Imran Hossain from Rajshahi said, “I have never seen Tarique Rahman in person before. Today, standing here with thousands of others, I feel like we are witnessing history. The energy, the hope—it’s overwhelming.” 

From Kushtia, Sana Ullah added, “We came four friends, traveling overnight just to see him. All these years, we only saw him on screens. Now, we are part of the celebration in real life.”

Across Purbachal, Bashundhara Residential Area, Banani, and Jamuna Future Park, smaller processions moved in rhythm with music, drums, and chants.
 
Vendors lined the streets, offering food and water to sustain the supporters, while trucks with speakers broadcast patriotic and party songs, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

Volunteers guided the crowd, maintaining order, while security forces ensured the smooth flow of the massive assembly.

Subid Master from Patuakhali, who came with his two sons and a nephew, said, “For sixteen years, we watched how Tarique Rahman faced political oppression. To see him here today, after all those years, is a moment of hope and love for us and thousands like me. This is more than politics…it is a feeling, a connection.”

The city’s other entry points, including Sadarghat Terminal, Syedabad, Gabtoli, and Meradia-Demra, were equally animated. Supporters from southern districts arrived by launch, while special arrangements ensured a warm welcome with reception booths and volunteer guidance. 

Streets, intersections, and plazas buzzed with processions, chants, and music. Across the capital, one message resonated clearly: “The leader is coming.”

This day symbolized more than the return of a political leader as it reflected the hopes, memories, and shared aspirations of the people.

Slogans, songs, and handclaps reverberated across the city, blending anticipation and celebration. From the airport to Purbachal, every corner of Dhaka was alive with the vibrancy of an event that transcended politics.

After landing, Tarique Rahman attended the public event at July 36 expressway and addressed to the millions of people. Walking along the route to Evercare Hospital, he waved to the crowd, acknowledging their unwavering support. 

Earlier, Tarique Rahman was accorded warm reception and emotional greetings at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on arrival from London.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir earlier led the party standing committee members to greet the acting chairman and accord reception at the VVIP lounge of the airport after his return from London as Tarique Rahman embraced them with a wide smile and warm handshake.

After airport proceedings, he started journey to the 36 Expressway (300-Foot Road) venue by a bus amid tight security. Before that, he touched down the soil with dew dropped grasses barefoot and grasped a fist of soil, brought to nose and sniffed being emotional. 

Then, a motorcade escorted Tarique Rahman's bus to the venue as millions of people standing on the both sides of airport road bound to 300 feet welcomed him with chanting slogans.