Staff Reporter:
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Chattogram after over 20 years to attend his Chattogram round of electoral rally today.
The aircraft carrying Tarique and his entourage landed at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport around 7:15pm.
Senior BNP leaders including Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed welcomed him at the airport.
The special bus carrying the BNP chairman left the airport around 7.46pm and headed towards hotel “Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View”, where he will stay overnight.
Leaders and activist of BNP, its affiliated organisations and general people greeted Tarique from both sides of the road leading to Shaheed Wasim Akram Expressway from the airport.
Supporters also gathered in front of the hotel to welcome their leader. Tarique entered the hotel around 8:50pm.
City BNP former convener and incumbent City Mayor Shahadat Hossain said that the BNP chairman will hold a meeting with the Chattogram BNP leaders in the night.
He is scheduled to attend a “Youth Policy Talk” with 300 students from different universities at the hotel at 9:30am before attending the electoral rally at 11:00am at historic Polo-Ground on Sunday,” Shahadat said.
After departing from Chattogarm, Tarique is set to address rallies at Feni Pilot School Ground, Chauddagram High School Ground in Cumilla, Digbaji Playground in Suagazi, Daudkandi Central Eidgah Ground, and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj.
After 16 years of intense political repression like false cases, tortures and enforced disappearances, Tarique’s visit in the port city for the first time in two decades is being seen as the beginning of a new political chapter for the party.
A festive atmosphere has been prevailing in the city, with leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organisations carrying out extensive preparatory meetings and door-to-door campaigns.
Party leaders anticipate that Sunday’s rally could become the largest mass gathering in Chattogram’s history, with an estimated turnout of some 15 lakh people, irrespective of party affiliation.
Tarique is expected to outline his vision and strategic roadmap for the party and the nation at the rally.
