BNP leaders and activists have begun arriving at Chattogram’s Polo Ground. Some are coming in groups, while others have been staying at the venue since the night before.
The rally venue and surrounding areas are covered with banners and festoons.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to join a rally there. This marks his first visit to Chattogram since taking charge of the BNP. Leaders and activists, energised by his arrival, have made extensive preparations, with tight security in place at the rally venue.
He landed in the port city on a flight at 7:15pm on Saturday. He is visiting after more than two decades. Senior BNP leaders and city leaders welcomed him at the airport.
Party activists attending the rally said they had waited many years to see Tarique Rahman in person. One supporter told reporters, “Today that wait ends.”
Leaders said Tarique’s visit will both inspire activists and strengthen the election campaign.
Nazimur Rahman, member secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, said, “After nearly 21 years, Tarique Rahman has come to the district. Alongside seeking votes for the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, he will also present his plans for the city’s development.”
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been taken across the city ahead of the rally. Around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed. The stage and surrounding areas have been divided into three security zones—Red, Yellow, and Green.
The stage has been declared a Red Zone, accessible only to BNP central leaders, standing committee members, and parliamentary candidates from Chattogram’s 23 constituencies. The front section of the stage has been designated as the Yellow Zone, with separate blocks for journalists and women. The entire field has been marked as the Green Zone.
After his Chattogram visit, Tarique is scheduled to address five more rallies in Feni, Cumilla, and Narayanganj on his way back to Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman last visited Chattogram in 2005, when he campaigned in the city corporation election and spoke at a public meeting at Laldighi Maidan.
