Following nearly two decades of exile and his recent historic homecoming, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to arrive in the port city on Saturday night. His visit, the first to Chattogram since 2005, will culminate in a massive public rally at the iconic Railway Polo Ground on Sunday morning.
The city has been transformed into a sea of banners, posters, and festoons as local leaders and activists prepare a “hero’s welcome” for the party chief. Stage construction at the Polo Ground is already in its final stages, with the party aiming for a turnout of over 1.5 million people.
A Long-Awaited Return
Tarique Rahman last visited the city in 2005 during the tenure of the Four-Party Alliance government, serving then as the Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP. His return to the political heart of the southeast is seen as a pivotal moment for the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Speaking on the atmosphere in the city, Shawkat Azam Khaja, Joint Convener of Chattogram City BNP, said:
“The arrival of Tarique Rahman has created a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Every citizen is ready to welcome our leader with immense enthusiasm.”
Preparations and Expectations
The local leadership has mobilized extensively across all 16 constituencies in the region. Mohammad Ershad Ullah, Convener of Chattogram City BNP, expressed high confidence in the public’s response.
“In the past, despite numerous obstacles, hundreds of thousands gathered at BNP rallies. This time, we expect the crowd to overflow beyond the Polo Ground, turning the surrounding streets into a human tide,” Ershad Ullah stated.
Various sub-committees have been formed to manage logistics and security for the event. Leaders noted that the city is adorned with commemorative arches (toraan) and the party’s “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, reflecting the high spirits of the grassroots activists who have waited twenty years for this moment.
Looking Ahead
After addressing the grand rally on Sunday, Tarique Rahman is expected to travel back to Dhaka, with planned stops along the Sitakunda-Mirsarai, Noakhali, and Feni routes to greet supporters.
