BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to formally launch the party’s campaign for the 13th parliamentary election with a mass rally in Sylhet on Thursday morning.
He is expected to take the stage at 11:30am at the historic Government Alia Madrasa ground in the city.
The rally venue was overflowing with people hours before the scheduled start, with party activists spilling onto surrounding streets. From dawn, processions of BNP supporters from Sylhet, Sunamganj and nearby districts converged on the ground.
The venue turned into a sea of people waving party flags, carrying replicas of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, and banners featuring Tarique Rahman’s image. Chants of “Sheaf of Paddy” and “Tarique Rahman” echoed across the area.
Party sources said the gathering marks the formal nationwide launch of BNP’s election campaign. Tarique’s visit to Sylhet, his first in nearly two decades, has generated extraordinary enthusiasm among party members, with the city festooned in banners and slogans.
From the rally stage, he is expected to introduce BNP candidates from Sylhet and Sunamganj constituencies to the public. Senior leaders said he will also provide key directives to activists in light of the national election and current political developments.
Security has been tightened across the city for the rally. Police, RAB and other law enforcement agencies have deployed multiple layers of security around the venue and adjoining areas.
Tarique arrived in Sylhet by air on Wednesday night and offered prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). After Thursday’s rally, he is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road, addressing roadside campaign gatherings in Moulvibazar, Habiganj and several other districts along the way.
