Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has requested special trains on seven routes to facilitate the travel of party leaders, activists and supporters to Dhaka for the homecoming of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is returning to Bangladesh on December 25 after nearly 18 years in exile in London.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi submitted the application to Ministry of Railways on Thursday.

The request seeks either the operation of special trains or the reservation of additional coaches on the following routes: Cox’s Bazar–Dhaka, Sylhet–Dhaka, Jamalpur–Mymensingh–Dhaka, Tangail–Dhaka, Chapainawabganj–Rajshahi–Dhaka, Panchagarh–Nilphamari–Parbatipur–Dhaka and Kurigram–Rangpur–Dhaka.

According to the application, a large number of party members and supporters are expected to travel to Dhaka on the night of 24 December to welcome Tarique Rahman.

BNP stated that all travel would be arranged in accordance with government regulations and with payment of the required fares.

Earlier, on December 12, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had announced Tarique Rahman’s return and the party has reportedly completed preparations for his residence and office in Dhaka.

Speaking at a discussion organised by BNP’s London unit on Wednesday, Tarique Rahman confirmed his return on December 25 and requested prayers from party leaders and supporters ahead of his homecoming.