BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday said the upcoming election must reaffirm Bogura’s historic identity as BNP’s power base.
Speaking at an election road meeting at Mokamtola Bazar in Shibganj upazila at around 3:30pm, Tarique Rahman said, “People always say Bogura’s soil belongs to BNP. On election day, you must prove that Bogura is not just a BNP area, but a strong BNP stronghold.”
He said if BNP forms the government by the will of Allah, all unfinished development projects in Bogura would be completed in phases.
He added that the party would prioritise balanced development across the country.
Tarique Rahman said returning to the people after 19 years brought him immense joy. Calling himself a son of the soil, he sought prayers from the people of Bogura.
Earlier, he visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sultan Balkhi (R) at Mahasthangarh, the ancient Pundranagar. He joined prayers after Quran recitation. The shrine mosque’s khatib, Hafez Maulana Md Emdadul Haque, conducted the prayer ceremony.
BNP-nominated candidate for Bogura-2 (Shibganj) and Shibganj upazila BNP president Mir Shahe Alam, Shibganj upazila BNP general secretary Advocate Abdul Wahab, Jubo Dal president Khalid Hasan Arman, upazila Chhatra Dal general secretary Mir Mun, and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations were present.
Tarique Rahman said BNP had delivered development every time it governed the country. Referring again to the election scheduled for the 12 February, he said people across Bangladesh recognised Bogura as a BNP stronghold. “You must prove that Bogura’s soil is BNP’s strongest base,” he said, again asking for prayers.
Jumma prayers at Baitur Rahman Central Mosque
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman offered Jumma prayers at the Baitur Rahman Central Mosque on Station Road in Bogura, a mosque established on his initiative. He arrived at the mosque shortly before 1pm. Mufti Zobayer Hossain led the prayers.
Addressing worshippers, he expressed his emotions and said Allah alone is the ultimate giver.
He thanked the people of Bogura for their love for him, his family and the BNP. He sought prayers so that he could continue working for the welfare of the country and the nation.
District BNP president Rezaul Karim Badsha, former MP Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, district BNP acting secretary Mosharraf Hossain, Saiful Islam, leaders of BNP’s associate bodies, mosque committee members and worshippers were present.
Construction of the mosque began in 2004 in the heart of Bogura city on Tarique Rahman’s initiative. Political changes later prevented his return to the country. Friday marked the first time he offered Jumma prayers at the mosque.
Wheelchair distribution for children with special needs
Before attending the mosque, at around 12pm, Tarique Rahman joined a wheelchair distribution programme for children and adolescents with special needs at Hotel Naz Garden in Bogura city.
The programme was organised by CSF Global on the initiative of Zobaida Rahman, wife of the BNP chairperson.
Tarique Rahman and Zobaida Rahman exchanged views with the children and their guardians. The organisers distributed wheelchairs among 10 children with special needs. Tarique Rahman spoke personally with the children, enquired about their wellbeing and enjoyed songs performed by them. His interaction moved guardians and guests emotionally.
Addressing the gathering for the first time in Bogura, Zobaida Rahman outlined their plans for Bangladesh’s future. She said the BNP remained committed to national development and the establishment of humane values.
As chief guest, Tarique Rahman said the BNP wanted to build a Bangladesh where people of all classes could live with dignity and enjoy their rightful rights.
Roadshow and public outreach in Mahasthangarh
After offering Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman left for Mahasthangarh to visit the shrine of Shah Balkhi Mahisawar (R). Thousands of men and women stood along both sides of the road during the 10-kilometre journey from Bogura, waving and greeting him.
He greeted people at around 10 points, including Matidali Mor, Baghopara and Mahasthan. At Mahisawar College ground, he carried out public outreach in support of sheaf-of-paddy candidate Mir Shahe Alam.
Tribute to martyr Abu Sayeed
At 5:55pm, Tarique Rahman reached Babunpur in Pirganj, Rangpur, by road and proceeded to the residence of martyr Abu Sayeed. There, accompanied by the father, Makbul Hossain, and party activists, he visited the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed. Later, he participated in prayers and supplications.
Afterward, he went to the house. There, he sat together with the father Makbul Hossain, mother Manowar, brother Ramzan Ali, Abu Hossain, and other family members. He inquired about their well-being, listened to them, and promised to stand by them.
During this time, martyr Abu Sayeed’s father, Makbul Hossain, said to Tarique Rahman, “If Allah brings you to power, then first and foremost, ensure justice for the killings of martyr Abu Sayeed and all other martyrs of the July Revolution. Provide proper medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured. And arrange employment opportunities for the people of Pirganj and all of Bangladesh.”
In response, Tarique Rahman promised Makbul Hossain that he would ensure justice for martyr Abu Sayeed and all other killings and work for development in all sectors of the country.
On the occasion of his arrival, members of various forces including police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), were deployed throughout Pirganj.
