, Dec. 25 -- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman left Heathrow Airport early Thursday for Dhaka, ending nearly 17 years in exile in London and sparking widespread interest, emotion and political excitement across the country

"Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-102, carrying Tarique and his entourage, took off around 12:23 am (BST)," said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50 am on Thursday, via Sylhet Osmani International Airport.

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party's Standing Committee, will receive him at the airport. Tarique is travelling with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, and other personal aides. Z...