Chattogram has taken on a festive atmosphere ahead of the arrival of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is visiting the port city for the first time in nearly 21 years.
He landed at Shah Amanat International Airport around 7:15pm on Saturday by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, said BNP Media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
Tarique will attend a BNP grand rally on Sunday morning as the chief guest at the Polo Ground adjacent to Tigerpass. The event has generated widespread enthusiasm among leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations across Chattogram city and district.
Preparations are in full swing across the city, with major roads and alleyways adorned with banners, festoons and billboards welcoming the BNP leader.
A visit to the venue on Saturday showed that construction of a large stage at the Polo Ground is almost complete, with modern sound systems being installed. Special security arrangements have also been put in place ahead of the rally.
Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said three sub-committees, including a central preparation committee, are working to ensure the success of the event. He said preparatory meetings have already been held at the residence of BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
“After 21 years, our leader is returning to Chattogram. There is a festive mood in every corner of the city BNP,” Nazimur said, expressing hope that at least 1.5 million people would attend the rally.
Former Metropolitan BNP member secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar, after inspecting the venue, told Times of Bangladesh that Tarique Rahman and his family have deep historical ties with Chattogram.
“We expect him to outline his vision and future plans for the port city at this rally,” he said.
Leaders and activists from different areas began arriving at the venue a day ahead of the rally. Abul Kalam Azad, former vice-president of Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal, said party workers are eager to hear Tarique speak directly after such a long gap.
“This is a historic moment for us. Everyone is waiting for his speech,” he said.
Local resident Haji Manjur Mia said people believe Tarique will provide visionary leadership similar to that of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.
Recalling Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives such as canal excavation, establishment of export processing zones and overseas employment opportunities, Manjur said people now expect similar foresight from Tarique to strengthen the country’s economy.
BNP’s late chairperson Khaleda Zia last addressed a public rally at the same Polo Ground on 9 January 2012. After nearly 14 years, the venue is set to host another major gathering of the party’s top leadership.
Tarique last visited Chattogram on 6 May 2005, when he was serving as the party’s senior joint secretary general. This marks his first visit to the city since assuming the role of BNP chairperson.
Meanwhile, a three-tier security system has been put in place for the rally. The entire area has been divided into red, yellow and green zones. The stage area will be designated as a red zone for central leaders and standing committee members, while the front section will be a yellow zone with separate blocks for journalists and women. The rest of the field has been marked as a green zone for general participants.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) Aminur Rashid said all police station officers-in-charge have been briefed, and special traffic management measures are being implemented in and around the rally venue.
