BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Jessore for the first time on Monday, where he will address an election rally at the Jessore Government Degree College grounds.
Leaders and activists from seven districts in the greater Jessore–Kushtia region have expressed enthusiasm over the visit, saying it is expected to have a positive political impact.
According to party sources, Tarique Rahman will arrive in Jessore by helicopter on Monday afternoon after addressing a rally in Khulna. He is scheduled to speak at the Jessore rally around 2pm.
During the event, he will formally introduce 22 BNP candidates from Jessore, Narail, Magura, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur and Kushtia, and hand over the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.
The city has been abuzz with preparations ahead of the visit, with a large stage set up at the venue and billboards featuring Tarique Rahman and central party leaders displayed across Jessore. BNP said the venue was selected outside the city centre to minimise public inconvenience.
Party leaders and activists from BNP and its associate bodies, including Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, have been campaigning for several days to mobilise supporters.
At a press conference at the Jessore Press Club on Sunday, BNP Vice Chairman Professor Nargis Begum, Khulna divisional acting organising secretary Anindya Islam Amit, district BNP president Saberul Haque Sabu and general secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon said more than 200,000 leaders and activists were expected to attend the rally.
Speaking at the press conference, Anindya Islam Amit said all preparations had been completed and described the visit as a source of renewed political energy for the party. He said BNP would present a written list of demands for the greater Jessore region to Tarique Rahman, including issues related to arson.
District BNP President Saberul Haque Sabu said Monday’s rally would draw massive crowds and reflect growing public interest in Tarique Rahman’s leadership following years of political struggle.
Meanwhile, the local administration has stepped up security measures ahead of the visit. Multiple teams from district and traffic police have been deployed to ensure overall security.
Jessore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam visited the rally venue on Sunday afternoon and told reporters that security had been strengthened, with roads leading to and from the venue under constant surveillance and separate parking arrangements in place.
