Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Dhaka on Thursday as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to the country after more than 17 years in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. Rahman, who is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, landed in the capital along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

Supporters and party leaders marched from the Banani Airport Road towards Dhaka airport to welcome him, turning the stretch into a sea of BNP flags and slogans. Rahman was later escorted in a bulletproof vehicle as part of heightened security arrangements for his high-profile return.

Bulletproof convoy and reception in Purbachal

After arriving at the airport, Rahman was received by senior BNP leaders before heading to a large reception organised in the Purbachal area. Party workers and leaders lined both sides of the road to greet him during the journey. According to party expectations, a very large gathering assembled at the venue, where Rahman was scheduled to address supporters.

BNP leaders said only Rahman would speak at the event, while other senior figures remained present on the stage. His return is being closely watched as he has emerged as a key political figure ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections.

Visit to ailing mother and family residence

Following the public address, Rahman was expected to visit Evercare Hospital to meet his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who has been undergoing treatment there for over a month. After the hospital visit, the family was scheduled to go to Firoza, the Zia family residence in Gulshan.

Security across Dhaka was tightened during Rahman’s movement, with police deploying additional forces to prevent any untoward incident amid recent political tensions in the country.

Political backdrop of the return

Rahman’s return comes at a time when the BNP is seen to be gaining political ground following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising last year. Surveys conducted in December indicate the BNP could secure the largest number of seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections, while other parties, including Islamist groups, are also in the fray.

Alongside political developments, personal reasons have also played a role in Rahman’s decision to return, particularly his mother’s prolonged illness, which party sources describe as a key factor behind the move.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

At least 10 people lost their lives after a private sleeper bus caught fire following a collision with a truck on National Highway-48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. The accident took place in the early hours of Thursday when the bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga.

According to police, the incident occurred around 2:30 am when a truck coming from the opposite direction reportedly jumped the divider and rammed into the bus. The impact triggered a massive fire, leaving several passengers trapped inside the vehicle.

A senior police officer said preliminary findings suggest the truck may have struck the fuel tank of the bus, causing diesel to gush out and ignite. While a few passengers managed to escape, eight bus passengers and the truck driver were confirmed dead.

Bus carrying 32 people gutted in blaze

The sleeper bus, operated by a private travel company, had 32 people on board, including the driver and conductor. Eyewitnesses said the flames spread rapidly, giving passengers little time to react.

A commuter who was travelling on the same stretch of road said the bus had overtaken his vehicle moments before the crash. He added that the truck crossed the divider and hit the bus near the diesel tank area, leading to the fire.

One of the surviving passengers recalled scenes of panic inside the bus. He said people were screaming as the fire broke out, the doors could not be opened, and some passengers broke the window glass to escape. Despite efforts to rescue others, the spreading flames made it extremely difficult.

Traffic disruption and reactions from leaders

The accident caused heavy traffic congestion on the highway, with commuters stranded for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar also expressed grief over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The state BJP president shared similar sentiments, offering condolences to the bereaved families.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.