BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was surrounded by unbridled love, joy and happiness as her party men and enthusiastic people was in a state of euphoria having a glimpse of their beloved leader after her return home from United Kingdom (UK).

Khaleda Zia along with her two daughters-in-law Dr Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman and other entourages arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, May 6, by a special air ambulance provided by Qatar`s Emir.

Thousands of exuberant people teamed up with BNP leaders and activists on the roads from airport to her Gulshan residence Feroza to show their heartfelt love and passion to the democracy icon and three times prime minister presumed to be in comparatively better health condition.

Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir first led senior leaders to welcome her with flower bouquet as the flight touched down the soil of the Dhaka airport at 10.43am flying all the way after departing from Heathrow Airport in London.

Later, the pro-democracy leader was showered with profound love by the people who were standing on footpaths in an apparent beautiful manner to welcome her since early morning with flowers, national and party flags.

The people were being animated seeing her leader at a glance as she was being driven to her residence.

The whole area stretching from airport to Gulshan was being vibrated by unrestrained slogans by the party men holding banners and festoons with pictures of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, BNP chief Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

The people expressed all their joy in an orderly manner as BNP earlier gave instruction to party men not to block road considering the issue of public sufferings as well as SSC examinations.

BNP activist Arman Mia, who took a position on the sidewalk in Banani area, said: "It`s a very happy day for us. The mother of democracy returned home. I have come to have glimpse of our loving leader Begum Zia."

Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the airport said Khaleda Zia`s return will facilitate the transition to democracy.

Fakhrul was present at the airport to welcome the BNP chairperson as he said Khaleda Zia was subjected to torture for a long time during the Awami League misrule.

"The BNP leader`s ordeal of confinement came to an end after Awami fascism was wound up. Then she went abroad for treatment after being released from prison," he said.

Khaleda Zia is returning to the country today after undergoing overseas treatment for about 4 months, he added.

"It is a very happy day for the nation. Her presence is significant at the time of democratic transition," the BNP Secretary General said.

"Her return will facilitate our transition to democracy and it will help lead the country to the right and non-discriminatory path," he continued.

Source: BSS