Grand reception on PM's return

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was accorded a rousing reception yesterday as she returned home wrapping up her fortnight-long visits to Canada and the USA.

The Awami League arranged the showdown on her return home after attending the 5th Global Fund Replenishment Conference in Montreal and the 71st UN General Assembly in New York.

In the USA, the PM was honoured with the United Nations “Planet 50-50 Champion” and the “Agent of Change” awards for her able leadership in running the state and her contributions to the country and its people.

The reception was for celebrating her strong role in the international arena, particularly projecting Bangladesh as a dignified country.

An Emirates flight carrying Hasina and her entourage touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 6:42pm.

Cabinet members, senior AL leaders and top civil and military officials received her at the airport.

Leaders and workers of Awami League, Swechchhasebok League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Mohila League, Jubo League, Muktijoddha League, Sramik League and Krishak League lined up in different points of the capital, including the airport, Khilkhet, Kuril Flyover, Radisson Water Blu and Kakoli points, Banani, Jahangir Gate, PMO, Bijoy Sarani, military museum and Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to welcome the PM.

Carrying the national flag, banners, placards, portraits of Bangabandhu, Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy, they stood on either side of the streets on her way to Gono Bhaban from the airport. They showered flowers and petals on the PM's motorcade and chanted slogans hailing her leadership and achievements.

Leaders of the AL-led 14-party alliance, its associate organisations as well as various political and socio-cultural bodies accorded hearty reception to the premier for running the country efficiently.

Thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the city streets since early afternoon to convey their hearty welcome to the leader who achieved success in ensuring women empowerment, education, health and food security as well as in facing terrorism and militancy.

Hasina, also the AL president, responded to the crowd waving her hands.

Various law enforcement agencies, including the police and Rapid Action Battalion, had to face trouble to control the situation when the PM's motorcade headed for the Gono Bhaban.

On her arrival at the Gono Bhaban around 7:35pm, Hasina was received by eminent citizens, including educationists, cultural activists, artistes and intellectuals.

At the main entrance to the Gono Bhaban, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique and eminent singer Rezwana Choudhury Bannya on behalf of the famed citizens welcomed the PM with a bouquet.

Bannya sang part of the famous Tagore song -- “Aji Bangladesher Hridoy Hote Kakhan Aponi”.

Cultural personalities Ramendu Majumdar and Nasiruddin Yusuff Bachchu, dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa were present, among others.

The PM also exchanged pleasantries with the eminent citizens.