Following a long-standing political tradition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to launch its formal campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election from the spiritual city of Sylhet. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will headline a whirlwind tour tomorrow, Thursday, addressing rallies in six districts within a single day.
The tour schedule was announced by Mahdee Amin, the spokesperson for the Central Election Steering Committee and Advisor to the BNP Chairman, during a press conference held today, Wednesday, at the committee’s office in Gulshan-2.
Spiritual Start and Rally Marathon
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Sylhet by air tonight. Upon arrival, he will visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) to offer prayers. He is also expected to visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) on Thursday morning before officially beginning his campaign at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground.
According to the itinerary shared by Mahdee Amin:
- Morning: Campaign kickoff at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground.
- Mid-day: A rally at Sherpur Ainpur playground in Maulvibazar Sadar, followed by another session at the proposed Upazila Parishad field in Shayestaganj, Habiganj.
- Afternoon: Rallies at Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, and the Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj.
- Evening: Engagements in Narsingdi Pourashava Park and a final rally in the Araihazar or Rupganj (Gauchhia) area of Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka by night.
Focus on Youth Leadership
In a move to honor those who contributed to the anti-fascist movement, Tarique Rahman will be accompanied by a group of prominent young leaders and heads of the party’s associate organizations. The delegation includes Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rownakul Islam Sraban, Yeasin Ferdous Murad, and Rakibul Islam Rakib.
Launch of Election ‘Theme Song’
Ahead of the campaign trail, the BNP is set to unveil its official election theme song. Party Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the Election Steering Committee, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, will inaugurate the song at the Lake Shore Hotel in Dhaka at 12:01 AM tonight.
Call for a Fair Election
During the briefing, Mahdee Amin emphasized that the BNP expects a “beautiful, fair, and acceptable” electoral environment. He noted that the party has already informed the relevant District Administrators, Returning Officers, and police authorities across the tour route to ensure a smooth process.
He also urged all political parties to adhere to the electoral code of conduct to maintain tolerance and peaceful coexistence during the lead-up to the February 12 polls.
