Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikha Hasina has returned to her country on Thursday to lead her party in next month's elections after several months of medical treatment in the United States.
Thousands of her supporters thronged in the streets outside the airport to welcome her home, just days after the interim government lifted its ban on political gatherings. As she arrived, she vowed to stand as a candidate for her Awami League party in next month's poll, despite her pending trial on corruption charges. She called for the election to be held on schedule.
Her main rival, Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), late Wednesday threatened to boycott the poll if it is held under the state of emergency.
Amir Khasru has more on the story.