BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has arrived in Chattogram to take part in election campaigning, beginning a high-profile visit that party leaders say marks an important moment in the run-up to the national polls.
Tarique Rahman landed at Shah Amanat International Airport on Saturday evening at around 7:15 pm, travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dhaka. He was received at the airport by senior BNP figures, including standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and party leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, along with leaders from the Chattogram metropolitan unit.
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman left his residence in Gulshan and travelled to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before flying to the port city. According to party sources, he will remain in Chattogram overnight before launching a full day of campaign activities on Sunday.
The BNP chairman is scheduled to address a major rally at the Polo Ground on Sunday morning as the chief guest. Organisers expect a large turnout, with supporters travelling from across Chattogram City and neighbouring districts. Party officials have made extensive preparations to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the programme.
Following the Chattogram rally, Tarique Rahman is due to continue his campaign across several districts in the region. His itinerary includes public meetings at Feni Pilot School ground, Chauddagram High School ground in Cumilla, Digbaji playground in Sonagazi, Daudkandi Central Eidgah ground, and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj. He is expected to return to Dhaka late on Sunday night after completing the final rally.
The visit has generated noticeable enthusiasm among BNP supporters. Party leaders describe it as Tarique Rahman’s first trip to Chattogram in more than 20 years, with his last visit dating back to 2005, when he served as the party’s senior joint secretary general. After that period, he spent many years abroad and remained largely absent from on-the-ground political activities in the country.
Since assuming the role of BNP chairman earlier this year, Tarique Rahman has stepped up public engagement and nationwide campaigning. Party insiders view the Chattogram tour as the beginning of a new phase in his political leadership, aimed at reconnecting with grassroots supporters and consolidating momentum ahead of the election.
With large crowds expected and a packed schedule across multiple districts, the visit is being closely monitored as a test of the BNP’s organisational strength and its ability to mobilise supporters in one of Bangladesh’s most politically significant regions.
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