Leaders, activists arrive in small processions, Tarique’s stage ready

Bangla Press Desk: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to address an election rally in Barishal for the first time on Wednesday, drawing large crowds and huge enthusiasm among party leaders and supporters.

Preparations for the rally have already been completed, with the stage set up at Bell’s Park ground in the city. From early morning, leaders and activists began gathering at the venue in small processions ahead of the rally, scheduled to take place at noon. A festive environment is prevailing among supporters since morning.

After visiting the rally venue around 9:00am, it was noticed that male and female leaders and activists were arriving in separate processions, carrying national and party flags. Some supporters were seen wearing colourful caps, while many took positions early in front of the stage to secure seating.

Mizanur Rahman, a Jubo Dal leader from Kalsakathi Union in Bakerganj upazila, arrived at the venue around 9:00am. He said they had previously travelled to Dhaka to mark Tarique Rahman’s arrival there, and this time had come to the Barishal rally with 40 activists. He added that their parliamentary candidate was also expected to join the rally with several motorcades.

BNP candidates from all six districts of the Barishal division are taking part in the rally, with candidates from all 21 parliamentary constituencies in the division expected to be present. Leaders of allied parties in the BNP-led alliance are also attending, including Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho and Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Islam Nur. Partho is contesting from Bhola-1 and Nur from Patuakhali-3 as alliance candidates. As the chief guest, Tarique Rahman is expected to introduce the candidates to the public from the stage.BNP divisional organising secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin said Tarique Rahman’s visit to Barishal had generated strong enthusiasm not only among party leaders but also among the general public. She said thousands of people from six districts were expected to attend the rally, which was organised on the outskirts of the city to minimise public inconvenience.

She added that Tarique Rahman was scheduled to join the rally around 12:00pm. A separate seating area has been arranged beside the stage for families of the July martyrs and those injured, with whom he will meet before taking the stage.

During an inspection of the venue, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and National Election Steering Committee member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said that if BNP comes to power, Tarique Rahman would become prime minister and democracy would be restored through an accountable parliament and elected representatives. He said there was strong emotion and affection for Tarique Rahman among the people of the region.

He added that no specific target had been set for turnout at the rally, saying people were attending out of love and emotion. He also said various demands from residents of Barishal would be submitted to Tarique Rahman in written form.

In the days leading up to the rally, BNP candidates, along with leaders and activists of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, held festive processions and campaigns across the city.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened around the rally venue. Alongside police, a large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order situation.

Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shafikul Islam said security measures had been strengthened for the public gathering, with all routes to and from the venue placed under police surveillance. Separate parking arrangements have also been made.

According to party sources, after the Barishal rally, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel by helicopter to Faridpur, where he will address another rally later in the afternoon. He is also expected to introduce candidates to the public there and formally hand over the party’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy.Source :daily Sun

BP/SP