Why BNP chose 300 feet for Tarique Rahman's homecoming reception
The party cites strategic and humanitarian considerations aimed at minimising public inconvenience
The BNP is organising a reception programme to mark the homecoming of its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman tomorrow (25 December) in the 300 feet road area in Purbachal of the capital.
The party said despite Dhaka's many historically significant venues, it has chosen the 'July 36 Expressway', popularly known as the 300 feet road, for the reception programme due to strategic and humanitarian considerations aimed at minimising public inconvenience.
The decision was taken in line with Tarique Rahman's instructions to avoid central and historically sensitive locations such as Suhrawardy Udyan or Manik Mia Avenue, Tarique Rahman's adviser Mahdi Amin said in a Facebook post today (24 December).
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"The BNP selected the longest and widest roadway on the outskirts of the capital – far from the city centre –to reduce disruption to daily life," he said.
He also stated that only one side of the service lane of the expressway has been earmarked, and that too for a brief programme.
Measures to reduce public suffering
To minimise inconvenience, BNP says it is setting up 20 medical camps across Dhaka, staffed with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances on a round-the-clock basis.
A list of the medical camps has already been made public.
In addition, a six-bed temporary field hospital will be established near the venue, supported by an ICU-equipped ambulance.
The party has also arranged for the supply of safe drinking water, installation of mobile toilets and deployment of thousands of volunteers to provide continuous assistance during the programme, said Mahdi Amin.
Traffic management and emergency movement
To ease traffic congestion, separate bus parking facilities have been arranged at key entry points to the capital. Help desks will operate at Kakoli intersection, in front of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and at Abdullahpur to facilitate the movement of air passengers, ambulances and emergency vehicles.
From these points, motorbike escorts will be used where necessary to ensure the uninterrupted movement of ambulances and other emergency services.
However, BNP has apologised in advance to city residents for any unintended inconvenience.
Instructions to party leaders and activists
The BNP says strict instructions have been issued to ensure the programme does not create chaos, tension or civilian suffering. Leaders and activists have been asked to remain peaceful, disciplined and fully cooperative with law enforcement agencies.
Acknowledging the difficulty of completely controlling the spontaneous influx of supporters who have waited nearly 17 years for Tarique Rahman's return, the party has advised most leaders and activists to enter Dhaka via Kanchan Bridge and other designated entry routes.
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:45am tomorrow. From the airport, he will go directly to Evercare Hospital to see BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
On the way to the hospital, he will briefly join the reception programme at 300 Feet for a very short time, where he will express his gratitude to the people of the country, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said today.
