Tarique to address rally in Rangpur today

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to attend a public meeting at the Collectorate Eidgah Maidan in Rangpur on Friday as part of his election campaign, marking his first visit to the northern city in nearly 20 years. 

According to party insiders, Tarique will first pay his respects at the grave of Abu Sayed in Pirganj at around 3pm before addressing the rally later in the afternoon.

The party leaders believe the visit will provide a significant morale boost to party activists and supporters ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

Rangpur Metropolitan Mahila Dal President Rezeka Sultana Fency said news of Tarique’s arrival had spread across the district, with supporters expected to start gathering at the venue from Thursday night. 

She expressed hope that the BNP leader would make important announcements, including on the long-discussed Teesta Master Plan. 

Mahila Dal General Secretary Arzana Saleq said she expected more than 40,000 women to attend the rally.

Rangpur Metropolitan BNP member secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi described the visit as a major factor in strengthening the party’s prospects, saying it would ease the path to victory for BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” candidates.

Shamshuzzaman Sham, Rangpur Metropolitan BNP convenor and Rangpur-3 candidate, said the enthusiasm surrounding Tarique’s visit extended beyond party workers to the general public.

He also said that he expected the BNP chair to speak about addressing long-standing grievances over justice and development in the region.

Meanwhile, police said extensive security measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth programme.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali said law enforcement agencies were on high alert, with intelligence surveillance, traffic management and deployments of uniformed personnel, including rooftop positions, to prevent any untoward incidents. He said the overall situation remained calm and under control. 

Earlier this month, Tarique had announced a roadshow covering eight districts, including Rangpur, from January 11 to 14. The programme was later cancelled following a request from the Election Commission over compliance with the electoral code of conduct.