After more than 17 years in exile, a festive atmosphere has emerged in the capital’s 300 Feet area, centring on the homecoming of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. In particular, the wait, excitement and emotion of party leaders and activists around the stage area are visibly overflowing.
Thousands of leaders and activists were seen gathering outside the barricades surrounding the stage on Thursday (25 December) morning. Many were holding banners, festoons, national and party flags, turning the entire area vibrant with continuous slogans. Some stood with mobile phones in hand, waiting for the moment when Tarique Rahman would set foot on his homeland after a long absence.
There was palpable tension in the stage area in the morning. Many had taken positions around the venue since the night, hoping to catch a close glimpse of their leader. As dawn broke, the crowd in front of the stage continued to swell. Faces reflected the marks of a long wait, mixed with joy and anticipation.
A BNP activist stationed near the stage said, “We have waited 17 years for this day. What greater joy can there be than our leader returning home? We will stay here until he comes onto the stage.”
Volunteers are working to maintain order in the stage area. At the same time, BNP has arranged emergency healthcare services, with a medical team on standby around the venue.
According to party leaders and activists, Tarique Rahman’s return to the country will mark the beginning of a new chapter in BNP politics. To witness that historic moment, hundreds of thousands of people are counting every minute as they wait in the stage area.