Jhalokathi, Dec 24 (V7N) — Nearly 20,000 leaders and activists from Jhalokathi are set to join the reception in Dhaka marking the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years abroad. Organized by the Jhalokathi district BNP and its nominated candidates, three large passenger launches will depart from Jhalokathi to Dhaka on the evening of December 24 with local party members. Many activists have already begun traveling to Dhaka since December 21 on their own initiative.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka from London on December 25. Upon arrival, he will first visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in the capital. Later in the afternoon, he will participate in a short rally held on a 300-foot area in Dhaka. Preparations and enthusiasm among Jhalokathi BNP activists for the event are reported to be very high.

Activists will depart from various stations including Jhalokathi Sadar Launch Ghat, Kathalia, Rajapur, Nolchiti, and Dapdapia via the passenger launches. Two large launches will leave from Jhalokathi Sadar Launch Ghat, and another from Kathalia via Jhalokathi. These launches will pick up activists from multiple stops along the way and travel overnight to arrive in Dhaka the following morning. Additionally, numerous activists will travel by bus from Jhalokathi Bus Stand, Kathalia, Rajapur, and Nolchiti.

District BNP leaders have warned of potential heavy traffic congestion at Sadarghat in Dhaka on the morning of arrival and have advised activists to reach early, staying at relatives’ homes or hotels.

One of the launches, named Agrodut Plus, has been organized by BNP candidate for Jhalokathi-1 and central religious affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal. This launch will carry activists from Rajapur and Kathalia and depart for Dhaka on the evening of December 24 after picking up members from Jhalokathi Sadar and other stations.

Another large launch, arranged under the leadership of Jhalokathi-2 BNP candidate and former MP Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto, will depart from Jhalokathi Launch Ghat, traveling via Nolchiti and Dapdapia. A separate launch has also been arranged by the district BNP for activists traveling the same route.

According to Mizanur Rahman Mubin, member of the Jhalokathi district BNP, Sundarban Navigation Company Limited’s Sundarban-12 launch has been chartered for this purpose. Saiful Islam, administrative officer of Nizam Shipping Lines, confirmed that their Adventure-9 passenger vessel has been chartered by Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto to carry party activists to Dhaka.

Advocate Nazmul Haq Lablu, spokesperson for Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto, said Tarique Rahman’s return is a historic moment for Bangladesh’s democratic politics. The arrival after 17 years reflects not only BNP supporters’ anticipation but also that of democracy-seeking citizens. Activists from every union, ward, and upazila in Jhalokathi have independently prepared to travel to Dhaka. Separate cabins have been arranged for female activists, highlighting the organizational strength and unity of BNP.

Jhalokathi district BNP member-secretary Advocate Shahadat Hossain said approximately 20,000 activists from the district are preparing to reach Dhaka in an orderly manner through launches and other transportation.

Rafiqul Islam Jamal, BNP candidate for Jhalokathi-1, described the journey as symbolic of the hopes for restoring democracy, saying, “It is not just a trip; it represents the aspiration for democratic revival.”

Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto added that Tarique Rahman’s arrival will bring new momentum to national politics, and activists are participating spontaneously in this historic event.

END/AIJ/SMA/