BNP’s first election rally draws overnight crowds to Sylhet ground

Bangla Press Desk: Physically challenged Tara Mia arrived at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet early today to attend the BNP’s first election rally, carrying a Daily Star report published on January 22, 2019, which included his photograph.
“I arrived at 8:00am. I stood with the party in difficult times. Now that the party is going through a better phase, I want that sacrifice to be recognised,” Tara Mia, 61, said from the venue around 8:30am today.

He said he wanted to meet BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and made the request through the media.

“I have been persecuted because of the BNP. If I can meet Tarique Zia, I will be very happy,” he said.
Tara Mia said he had spent the night at the field without food or rest.

“I do not hold any post in the party. I love Ziaur Rahman," he told this newspaper.

Tara Mia He also conveyed his request to Tarique Rahman, saying his daughter, who has completed her honours degree, needs a job.

“I am a disabled person. It would be easier for me to survive if my daughter gets employment,” he said.

A resident of Bhanda village under Bhimkhali Union in Jamalganj upazila of Sunamganj, Tara Mia was born with a deformity in his right hand and has lived with physical disabilities since birth. Unable to do regular work, he supports his family by begging. He lives with his wife, one son and two daughters.

In 2018, Tara Mia was named as an accused in a case alleging plans of sabotage, disorder and attacks on police during BNP processions. After The Daily Star reported on his arrest and condition on January 22, 2019, the High Court granted him bail the following day.

Tara Mia was among hundreds of BNP supporters, leaders and activists who started gathering at the Alia Madrasa ground from yesterday evening as the party prepared to formally launch its election campaign.

The rally, scheduled to begin this morning, will be addressed by Tarique Rahman as the chief guest. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will speak as a special guest, while Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury will preside over the programme.

The rally has been organised by the Sylhet district and city unit BNP, along with Sunamganj district BNP. Party leaders said supporters from different districts arrived overnight, with many staying at the venue.

Seventy-year-old Shamir Uddin reached the ground around 10:00pm yesterday hoping to see Tarique Rahman in person for the first time.

“I have seen him on television and social media, but never face to face,” he said.

Shamir Uddin, BNP president of Ward No 3 of Lakshmipasha union in Golapganj upazila, said political space opened after the August 5 mass uprising.

“We could not do normal politics for the last 17 years,” he said, alleging repression of party leaders and activists through cases and attacks.

Party leaders and activists were seen spending the night at the venue, laying mats and cloths on the ground.

The scenes were observed between 2:00am and 4:00am at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet city.

Around 2:00am, small processions of leaders and activists were seen entering the field, chanting party slogans.

Outside the venue, along the roadside, festoons and banners were being set up, while gateways were erected. Loudspeakers were installed around the rally ground, and digital screens were placed at different points.

The BNP’s election theme song was being played on the digital screens.

Jamal Hossain, a BNP activist from Lakshmipasha union, said, “Tarique Rahman will deliver his speech today. He may give us guidance and direction and will ask for votes for the sheaf of paddy. After many years, an environment has been created where we can ask for votes for the sheaf of paddy. We do not want to waste this opportunity in any way.”

Several BNP leaders and activists at the venue said the rally is scheduled to begin at 11:00am.
Party supporter Pavel Islam arrived at the rally ground in a wheelchair from the Tilaganj area of Sylhet around 7:00pm last night.

“I love the BNP; that is why I came. I want to see Tarique Rahman—that is my happiness. I have taken a position close to the stage so that I can see him from nearby. I do not know if I will be able to see him in the crowd in the morning,” he said.

Local BNP leaders and activists said Tarique Rahman last visited Sylhet in 2005. After a gap of 20 years, he has returned to Sylhet to formally launch campaigning for the 13th national parliamentary election.

They added that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Khaleda Zia also traditionally began their election campaigns from Sylhet, including visits to the shrines, ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet by air around 8:00pm yesterday, party sources said.

BP/TI