BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has arrived at a grand rally after his historic homecoming, marking his first in-person speech to party leaders and activists in nearly 18 years.
Following his arrival in Dhaka, excitement has swept through the capital as a massive crowd gathered at the 300 Feet area in Purbachal, where the rally is being held.
Since early morning, a continuous stream of party leaders, activists and supporters has been heading towards the venue, turning the surrounding roads into corridors of procession.
Braving the chilling winter weather, participants – many wearing the party’s trademark caps and carrying banners and festoons – have been chanting slogans welcoming Tarique Rahman.
Hundreds of BNP supporters had taken positions along both sides of the roads near the venue from Wednesday morning. By noon, the rally ground was filled to capacity, with hundreds of thousands of people present, according to party organisers.
The sheer scale of the gathering has underscored the significance of the moment for the party, which sees the event as a turning point after years of organisational setbacks.
After completing immigration and other formalities at the airport, Tarique Rahman met senior party leaders and family members before setting off for the rally venue.
His motorcade, escorted by law-enforcement agencies, moved under tight security, with party activists also seen guarding the convoy along the route.
The address is expected to be closely watched, as it will be Tarique Rahman’s first direct engagement with the party’s rank and file since 2008.
BNP leaders say the speech will focus on organisational unity, political direction and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election.
For many supporters gathered at the venue, the rally represents more than a political programme, it is a moment of reconnection between the party and a leader whose long absence had left a visible void.
As the crowd awaits his arrival at the stage, anticipation continues to build, with party leaders describing the rally as one of the largest in recent years and a defining moment in BNP’s political journey.
