BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman confirmed that he is returning to Bangladesh from London on December 25 and has urged party leaders and supporters not to gather at the airport on the day of his departure.

"I will return home, In Sha Allah, on the 25th. My humble request to everyone present here is that no one should go to the airport that day," he said, adding that overcrowding at the airport could lead to chaos and send a negative message internationally.

He was addressing party leaders and activists at London's City Pavilion yesterday at a programme organised by UK BNP to mark Victory Day.

Recalling his long association with expatriate BNP supporters, Tarique thanked party activists in the UK and other countries for their moral support during difficult times over the past 18 years.

Addressing younger supporters in particular, he again reiterated his request not to turn up at the airport to see him off, emphasising that maintaining discipline and order was in the interest of both the party and the country.