Dhaka, Dec 26 (V7N)- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid his respects at the tomb of former President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan on Friday afternoon. He also participated in prayers at the site.

Tarique Rahman arrived at the tomb at 4:40 pm, accompanied by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and several senior party leaders and activists. Earlier, he had left his Gulshan residence at 2:52 pm. After paying homage at Zia Udyan, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the National Memorial in Savar to honor the martyrs of the Liberation War.

A large crowd of party leaders, activists, and supporters gathered at the tomb area to welcome him.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Bangladesh Biman flight BG-202, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:43 am on Thursday from London via Sylhet. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Jaima Rahman.

The six-and-a-half-kilometer route from the airport to the reception stage at the 300-feet area in Purbachal was heavily crowded, taking him three hours to reach the venue due to large numbers of leaders, activists, and members of the public lining both sides of the road. Many gathered out of curiosity or to witness Tarique Rahman’s return to the country after 17 years in exile, making the route appear densely packed throughout the day.

END/SMA/AJ