BNP chairman Tarique Rahman reached Rajshahi by air at around 12:20pm today to attend an election rally at the Rajshahi Madrasa playground.
He was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman.
BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Tarique left his Dhaka residence at 11:05am. After arrival, he is expected to offer prayers at the shrine of Shah Makhdum (R) in the city.
BNP leaders and activists have been gathering at the Rajshahi Madrasa ground since morning to attend the rally.
From around 9:00am, supporters began arriving in trucks and buses from Rajshahi and neighbouring districts. Many were seen carrying party flags, banners and placards, while others wore caps and T-shirts bearing BNP slogans.
Leaders and activists entered the venue in small and large processions, chanting slogans in support of the party. Some supporters were also seen holding sheaves of paddy, BNP’s electoral symbol.
Tarique is scheduled to speak as the chief guest at 2:00pm. The programme will be chaired by Rajshahi city BNP President Mamunur Rashid Mamun.
Large monitors and sound systems have been installed at various points around the ground to ensure speeches are visible and audible to the gathering.
Photo: Sajjad Hossain
Party leaders said the crowd was steadily growing as more supporters continued to arrive from different BNP units.
Activists said Tarique Rahman is expected to outline BNP’s future plans and election promises for Rajshahi and the broader northern region.
“For the last 17 years, BNP could not hold political programmes during the fascist government. Today is a joyful day for us,” said Awlad Hossain, a BNP worker from Rajshahi city.
“We have only seen Tarique Rahman on television. This time, we will see him in person.”
City Jubo Dal leader Arif Hossain said Tarique Rahman would announce several Rajshahi-focused commitments aimed at voters.
“Everyone is waiting eagerly at the ground for our leader to arrive,” he said.
Sultan Ahmed Rahi, president of Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal, said, “At a time when our chairman is talking about plans to build the state, one party is betraying Bangladesh.” He urged people to vote for BNP’s electoral symbol.
Shahriar Amin, member secretary of the Rajshahi district Swechchhasebak Dal, said the past 17 years saw restrictions on voting rights and political activities, adding that BNP wanted to move forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
Former Rajshahi city Chhatra Dal President Asaduzzaman Jony alleged that another party was attempting to influence voters through deception and financial inducements, calling on people to vote for BNP.
Masudur Rahman Mamun, president of Rajshahi district Swechchhasebak Dal, said BNP must be brought to state power to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.
Riaz Uddin, general secretary of Krishak Dal from Raighar union No 3, said he arrived at the venue at 9:00am with others using five CNG-run auto-rickshaws and two trucks.
“I have seen Khaleda Zia at public rallies. Today, I will see her son Tarique Rahman,” he said. “We expect that he will govern the country properly.”
At the rally, BNP candidates from all 13 constituencies of Rajshahi and a total of 39 parliamentary seats in the northern region are scheduled to be introduced.
Tarique is visiting Rajshahi after about 22 years. Since the divisional workers’ conference at the stadium in 2004, this will be his largest gathering in the city, party leaders said.
They added that the route of his movement was not being disclosed for security reasons.
Meanwhile, patriotic songs were played at the venue at around 11:11am.
