BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to his Gulshan residence early today after completing seven election rallies in a continuous 16-hour campaign across seven districts.

His final rally took place at Gawsia in Rupganj of Araihazar upazila in Narayanganj at around 4:00am. After the programme ended, Tarique went home, BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said.

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The BNP chief began his election campaign on Thursday at 12:30pm with a rally at the Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet.

He then addressed rallies at Ainpur playground in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, at 3:00pm; the Shayestaganj upazila field in Habiganj at 6:00pm; Kuttapara playground in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria at 10:00pm; Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj at 12:30am; and the municipal area of Narsingdi at 2:30am.

He concluded the day’s campaign with the Narayanganj rally at 4:00am.

Large crowds gathered at each rally along the route, with people turning out in large numbers even late at night.

Addressing the final rally in Rupganj, Narayanganj, he said people must vote for the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol in the February 12 election if they want to live in peace in the coming days.

“If we want to make the country safe, establish the right to vote, establish the right to speak, make mothers and sisters self-reliant, and stand by farmers, then we must vote for the sheaf of paddy,” he added.

He said unity was essential to rebuild the country and repair the state.

“We want a safe situation where everyone can live safely, do business safely, and move safely on the roads,” he said.

Although he was scheduled to join the Narayanganj rally at 8:00pm on Thursday, Tarique reached the stage at 4:00am and apologised for the delay.

“I was supposed to come here at 8:00pm. I started from Sylhet, and along the way thousands and thousands of people were waiting,” he said.

“Just as you were waiting, they were also waiting. That is why it took time to arrive. I apologise to you for this,” he added.