Dhaka, Dec. 25 -- A sea of people from all walks of life thronged the 300 Feet Road on Thursday to welcome BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman back to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.

"I have come to see Tarique, as I have long admired his father and mother, and now I want to see him lead the country from the front," said 65-year-old Aasia Khatun, overwhelmed by the massive turnout. She was among thousands of elderly supporters who joined the jubilant crowd.

Khalilur Rahman, who travelled from Chapainawabganj days earlier, said: "I came to witness how much popularity Mr Tarique Rahman has gained after nearly two decades abroad. We even spent Thursday night near the stage to see him."

The gathering was not limited to older generations...