To welcome BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman home, not only party leaders and activists but also people from different walks of life from the port city of Chittagong are heading to the capital.
Sources say that over 100,000 BNP leaders and supporters from Chittagong metropolitan area as well as the north and south districts will converge in Dhaka to receive him.
The party has arranged trains, buses, microbuses, and Hiace vehicles over the past few days, while many are travelling on their own initiative.
Tarique Rahman is set to land in the country on Thursday, and a grand reception is planned at Dhaka’s Purbachal 300 Feet area, where a massive gathering of people is expected.
Yusuf Talukder, joint convener of Chittagong North District Jubo Dal, told Dhaka Tribune: “People from across the country are excited to see Tarique Rahman, and thousands from seven upazilas in North Chattogram are already in Dhaka, with many more on the way.”
Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said tickets for two full trains and half of another train have been secured, and additional arrangements are being made to accommodate the huge number of people travelling from Chittagong.
“From the metropolitan area alone, 100 buses and 150 microbuses and Hiace vehicles have been hired. Local party units are also sending their supporters by buses and microbuses. Yet, the demand for transport is so high that we cannot fully meet it,” he added.
Bangladesh Railway Eastern Region’s Chittagong Divisional Manager Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed that a special train hired from Cox’s Bazar via Chittagong is heading to Dhaka for Tarique Rahman’s reception, while others have booked regular train tickets.
