The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is preparing an elaborate and coordinated reception to welcome back home its chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is set to return to Dhaka tomorrow after a nearly four-month stay聽 in London for receiving advanced medical treatment.
Recognising both the enthusiasm among BNP supporters and Khaleda Zia鈥檚 fragile health, the party has laid out detailed logistical plans to ensure her smooth transit from the airport to her residence, party leaders said.
BNP鈥檚 Dhaka city north and south units, together with affiliated organisations, held coordination meetings on Saturday at the party鈥檚 Gulshan office to organise a disciplined welcome.
鈥極ur goal is to celebrate the party chairperson鈥檚 return with love and discipline 鈥� not chaos. The focus is on getting her home quickly and safely,鈥� BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters following the meeting.
He instructed party activists to line both sides of the road, waving national and party flags, but they have been strictly warned not to block roads or create traffic congestions.
Fakhrul also requested the general public to use the elevated expressway from the airport towards Kakoli rather than the main road below so that Khaleda鈥檚 convoy has a clear passage and there is little congestion.
While it was earlier expected that she would return by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, Fakhrul said on Saturday evening that a special aircraft, the same Qatar royal ambulance she used to go to London, is now being arranged.
Fakhrul confirmed that Khaleda Zia will be accompanied by her two daughters-in-law: Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, and Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of the late Arafat Rahman.
Khaleda Zia left for London on January 8.
