"Bangladesh's main opposition party says it is preparing a vast show of support as its leader, Tarique Rahman, prepares to return home after nearly 17 years in exile. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aims to mobilise up to five million supporters in the capital to welcome Rahman, who is widely viewed as the party's prime ministerial frontrunner for the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for February."
"Rahman has lived in London since 2008 after facing multiple criminal convictions in Bangladesh, including money laundering and charges linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Hasina. Courts acquitted him following Hasina's removal from office, removing the legal obstacles that had delayed his return. BNP officials said Rahman will proceed directly from the airport to the rally venue before visiting his mother, who has been seriously ill for months."
"With Hasina's Awami League barred from contesting the February 12 vote, the BNP now appears positioned to dominate the race. BNP leaders say they are coordinating security arrangements with authorities for what they call an unprecedented mobilisation, with supporters expected to line the route from the airport to the reception venue. This will be a defining political moment, senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said."
BNP plans a massive rally in Dhaka to welcome Tarique Rahman, expecting up to five million supporters for his return from nearly 17 years in exile. Rahman serves as the BNP's acting chairman and is viewed as the party's prime ministerial frontrunner for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February. The BNP has regained momentum after the removal of Sheikh Hasina, and the Awami League is barred from contesting the vote, positioning BNP to dominate. Courts acquitted Rahman of previous convictions after Hasina's removal, clearing legal barriers. Officials are coordinating security and expect supporters along the airport route before Rahman visits his ill mother.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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