Certain things were noticeably absent from the streets of Moulvibazar district town and Sreemangal upazila ahead of two public rallies addressed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday: banners, festoons, billboards and towering decorative arches that have long been a hallmark of political gatherings in Bangladesh.

Leaders and activists began converging on meeting venues from the early hours. Despite the large turnout, roads and intersections remained clear of the plastic and paper waste.

The events were held at Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal and Moulvibazar Government High School ground in the district headquarters. At both venues, Tarique Rahman -- appearing as chief guest -- distributed Family Cards to beneficiaries.

Residents say that in previous years, any significant political gathering in the district would trigger a takeover of public spaces. Main roads, busy intersections and prominent landmarks would be draped in oversized party banners, laminated posters and elaborate gates bearing photographs of leaders.

This time, however, there was no sign of such displays.

Local observers and political analysts attribute the shift to a combination of environmental awareness.

Reactions from ordinary residents were largely welcoming.

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Saima Akhter, a school teacher, said the absence of banners had kept the towns clean without dampening public enthusiasm. This is a beautiful example for future politics.

Tea shop owner Shafiq Mia said crowds had not thinned despite the lack of visual decoration. “Earlier, when a big leader came, the entire city would be covered in banners.”

Nurul Mohaimin Milton, general secretary of Moulvibazar unit of the Bangladesh Environmental Journalists Association, said the arrangement was a forward-looking decision.

“This is a very far-sighted move when considered from the perspective of the environment and citizen comfort,” he said.