Ending a 20-year wait, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit Barishal on Wednesday to take part in electioneering ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls, as party leaders and activists began gathering at the rally venue from early morning.
Supporters from different districts and upazilas of the Barishal division started assembling at the historic Bells Park ground before dawn, with some occupying the field immediately after the Fajr prayers to catch a glimpse of their leader.
Rahman was scheduled to address the election rally at 12pm on Wednesday, with BNP and allied alliance candidates from all 21 constituencies of the Barishal division expected to attend the event.
Nasima Begum and Kakoli Akhter, activists of the BNP’s women’s wing from Babuganj upazila, said they reached Barishal the previous night and came to the venue early in the morning. “We have no personal demands. We just want a beautiful country,” Nasima said, while Kakoli expressed hopes for a peaceful future for the next generation.
Saidul Islam, a Jubo Dal activist from Nesarabad in Pirojpur, said he arrived by launch at dawn. “How could we stay home when our leader is coming to the city?” he said.
The rally ground saw extensive preparations, including a large stage on the eastern side and a separate seating area for women activists. Banners, festoons, and arches covered the city and the venue, creating a festive atmosphere.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia last addressed an election rally at the same ground in 2008. After 16 years, the return of Tarique Rahman, seen as the party’s next-generation leader, has generated visible excitement across the southern region.
Local BNP sources said the party has left two of the division’s 21 constituencies to alliance partners. Nurul Haque Nur of the Gono Odhikar Parishad is contesting Patuakhali-4, while Andaleeve Rahman Partha of the BJP is contesting Bhola-1 under the BNP symbol. BNP candidates are also expected to face strong competition from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan in several seats.
Jhalakathi BNP joint organising secretary Alamgir Hossain Bepari expressed optimism, claiming BNP candidates would win in 90 percent of the division’s constituencies.
According to the party schedule, Rahman was set to arrive in Barishal by helicopter from Dhaka at 11 a.m., address the rally at noon, and leave for Faridpur around 1pm.
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Advocate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar said people in the southern region have high expectations of Tarique Rahman, citing development initiatives carried out in Barishal during the tenures of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
Tarique Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 when he served as the party’s senior joint secretary general.
