In a powerful display of regional connection, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a massive crowd at the historic Railway Pologround today, beginning his speech in the local Chittagonian dialect.
“Onera kyan achon?” (How are you all?), he asked as he took the stage around 12:20 PM on Sunday. The sea of supporters responded with a thunderous “Bhala achi!” (We are well), marking a high-spirited moment in what is his first political appearance in the port city in 20 years.
An Emotional Homecoming
The rally, organized as part of the campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, drew hundreds of thousands of activists and supporters from Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Cox’s Bazar.
In an emotional address, Tarique Rahman highlighted his family’s deep-rooted ties to the region:
“We have gathered today with a single goal: change. This is the holy land of Chattogram, where Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971 and where he later embraced martyrdom. This is also where Khaleda Zia was honored with the title ‘Deshnetri.’ My family and I share an unbreakable emotional bond with this city.”
Key Highlights of the Rally
The Pologround was transformed into a human sea as people began gathering from dawn. Key details from the event include:
- Long-Awaited Return: This marks the first time Tarique Rahman has addressed a major rally in Chattogram since May 2005.
- Presence of Candidates: BNP-nominated candidates for parliamentary seats across the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the port city were present on the stage.
- Security Measures: Strict security was maintained by law enforcement, with several thousand personnel deployed to manage the massive influx of people.
- Youth Engagement: Prior to the rally, the BNP Chairman participated in a “Youth Policy Talk” at a local hotel, engaging with students and young professionals.
The Path Forward
The assembly in Chattogram is a significant milestone in the BNP’s nationwide election campaign. Following this rally, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel by road to Dhaka, holding further meetings in Feni, Cumilla, and Narayanganj.
