Tarique in Chattogram for second phase of election campaign

Tarique Rahman in Chattogram for second phase of election campaign. UNB

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Chattogram on Saturday evening to begin the second phase of his election campaign ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

He landed at Shah Amanat International Airport around 7:15pm by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, said BNP Media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He will spend the night in Chattogram and will join the election campaign in Chattogram and surrounding districts on Sunday,” said Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of BNP’s election steering committee.

He said Tarique will join a ‘Youth Policy Talk’ at a hotel in Chattogram at 9:30am on Sunday with around 300 university students. At the event, he will outline the party’s policy proposals on education, employment, agriculture, health, women’s empowerment and the environment, among other issues.

Later in the day, Tarique will address a mass rally at the historic Polo Ground, marking his first visit to Chattogram in more than two decades.

Party leaders said the rally is expected to draw a very large crowd, with organisers expecting up to o10 lakh people.

A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage has been constructed, and separate areas have been set aside for women and the media. Around 200 microphones and 10 LED screens will allow people outside the ground to follow his speech.

The rally has created excitement across the city, with streets, BNP offices and local gathering points decorated with posters and slogans.

Party leaders said Tarique’s return after 21 years carries deep emotional and symbolic significance for supporters in Chattogram.

Following the Chattogram programme, Tarique will address rallies at Feni Pilot School ground, Chauddagram High School ground in Cumilla, Sonagazi Digbazi Field, Daudkandi Central Eidgah ground, and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj.

Party leaders said the visit is expected to boost the party’s momentum ahead of the polls and give a fresh push to BNP’s campaign.

Tarique is expected to instruct leaders to work in unity and seek public support for the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

Security measures have been strengthened in and around the Polo Ground. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has prohibited weapons, explosives, sticks, bricks, stones, unauthorised placards, and drones in the rally area.

Legal action will be taken against violators, the police said.

Tarique launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet’s Alia Madrasah ground, speaking at seven rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj. - UNB