After 21 years, Tarique lands in Chattogram for electioneering

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Chattogram on Saturday evening after more than two decades, triggering a wave of enthusiasm among party leaders and activists as the BNP gears up its election campaign ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections. 

His return to the port city, seen by party insiders as politically symbolic, marks the beginning of a high-voltage campaign in the region, with a major public rally scheduled at the historic Polo Ground on Sunday.

Tarique left his Gulshan residence at 5:49pm and proceeded to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, from where he flew to Chattogram on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

His visit has turned the city festive, with leaders and activists describing it as a landmark moment. 

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address his first public rally in Chattogram on Sunday at the city’s historic Polo Ground – a venue symbolically linked to major political mobilisations.

Preparations at the Polo Ground began early Saturday, with organisers racing against time to set up a massive stage, modern sound system and power supply. Barricades, entry and exit routes, seating arrangements, temporary toilets and cleaning facilities have been put in place to manage the expected crowd.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has imposed the highest level of security for the rally. Under Section 29 of the CMP Ordinance, 1978, carrying weapons, explosives, bricks, or stones has been banned across the metropolitan area on January 24 and 25. Authorities have also prohibited unauthorised drone flights and the display of anti-state posters, warning of immediate legal action against violators.

Tarique Rahman will address the rally as the chief guest, with organisers expecting a turnout of several lakh supporters from Chattogram and surrounding districts. BNP leaders say his return after 21 years has energised grassroots activists and given fresh momentum to the party’s campaign.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said security personnel will be positioned in front of the stage, while the party’s own security unit, the Chairperson Security Force (CSF), arrived in the city on Saturday night to oversee additional arrangements. Separate areas have been designated for women and media professionals.

According to the itinerary, Tarique Rahman will address the Polo Ground rally at 11:30am on Sunday before embarking on a whirlwind series of meetings across multiple districts. He is scheduled to speak at Feni’s Pilot School Ground at 4pm, Chauddagram High School Ground in Cumilla at 5:30pm, Digbaji Ground in Suyagazi at 7pm, and Daudkandi Central Eidgah Ground at 7:30pm.

On his return to Dhaka, he will address a late-night rally at Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj at 11:30pm, before heading back to his Gulshan residence.

Tarique Rahman last visited Chattogram in 2005, when he served as BNP’s senior joint secretary general. Party leaders say his return now, after formally assuming the role of chairman earlier this year, signals the start of a new chapter in his political leadership and the party’s election strategy.