Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman formally kicked off his party’s campaign for the forthcoming national parliamentary elections on Thursday, choosing the historic Government Alia Madrassah ground in Sylhet for what party leaders describe as a politically significant opening rally.

Already, party activists and people from various walks of life have begun to gather at the ground ahead of the rally.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman will address the people of Sylhet, and start the official campaign for the upcoming national election.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday evening, landing at Osmani International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at around 8:00pm.

After paying respects at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal and Hazrat Shah Paran, he proceeded to his in-laws’ residence in Biraimpur, South Surma, at about 1:00am.

Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said, ‘Just as Zubaida is your child, I am also your child. I hope the BNP will be victorious in this area in the election. I take your word with me.’

Preparations for the grand rally have been completed, with a 30-foot area in front of the venue barricaded using bamboo poles.

A separate section has been reserved in the northern part of the barricaded area for the families of martyrs and those injured in the July incidents.

BNP organising secretary GK Gaus said the rally will also formally introduce party- and alliance-nominated candidates for six constituencies in Sylhet and five in Sunamganj, as well as candidates from 19 constituencies across the Sylhet division.

Meanwhile, the convoy carrying Tarique Rahman has already reached the rally venue.