After 22 years, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Rajshahi on Thursday as part of his election campaign. He will address a rally at the historic Madrasa Ground in the city at 2pm as the chief guest.
He announced his visit schedule during a virtual meeting on Saturday night with BNP-nominated candidates and local leaders from 13 parliamentary constituencies in Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj districts.
His arrival has sparked widespread enthusiasm among party leaders and activists in Rajshahi. Delegates from all areas are expected to attend the rally.
Mamun Ar Rashid Mamun, president of BNP’s Rajshahi metropolitan unit, said Tarique Rahman will arrive in the city by air and join the rally at Madrasa Ground. He is also scheduled to speak at campaign events in Naogaon in the evening and in Bogura at night, where he may stay overnight.
Mizanur Rahman Minu, BNP’s nominated candidate for Rajshahi-2 (Sadar), said Rajshahi is the heartland of BNP. “People here know nothing but the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. We are preparing with determination to win,” he said.
The rally stage setup is complete. BNP’s Rajshahi metropolitan unit and its affiliated organisations have been actively campaigning to ensure the rally’s success. Local authorities have reportedly been requested to strengthen security measures.
The BNP chief will land in Rajshahi at 12:25pm. He will then visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum Ruposh (RA) before heading directly to the rally.
His return to Rajshahi after more than two decades has energised BNP activists. Party leaders believe the rally will significantly boost BNP’s electoral momentum in Rajshahi and the surrounding districts, strengthening voter morale and benefiting party candidates in the upcoming 13th national election.
Notably, Tarique Rahman last visited Rajshahi in 2003 to attend a party workshop and training programme.
