Rangpur awaits Tarique as BNP prepares for rally ahead of election

The BNP chief is returning to the city after nearly two decades

Rangpur is preparing to welcome BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as he returns to the city after about two decades ahead of the Feb 12 elections.

Tarique is scheduled to arrive in Rangpur on Friday and address a public rally at the Collectorate Eidgah Field in the evening as part of his election campaign.

Grassroots BNP leaders say excitement has spread across northern Bangladesh, with supporters expected to gather in large numbers for the meeting.

On Friday morning, a visit to the rally venue showed preparations in full swing.

A stage has already been set up, while microphones and sound systems have been installed across the field and several kilometres beyond, organisers said.

Members of the district BNP and the rally management committee inspected the ground in the morning to review arrangements, including the stage and overall security of the programme.

BNP Executive Committee Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu said the party was witnessing “extraordinary enthusiasm” among voters throughout the Rangpur Division ahead of the chairman’s arrival.

“We can see great excitement among the general public, even in the most remote areas,” Dulu said.

“The massive public outpouring that has been developed for the BNP in this region will be visible today.”

He expressed confidence that the Eidgah Field would be filled beyond capacity.

“We hope this field will be packed to the brim. The entire city will turn into a sea of people as supporters gather for the rally,” he said.

Dulu also pointed to longstanding grievances over regional inequality, saying Rangpur has often been deprived of development opportunities.

“Rangpur has always been a victim of discrimination,” he said. “We believe that through this rally, the path will open for eliminating that discrimination in the coming days under BNP leadership.”

According to Dulu, Tarique will leave Bogura after Friday prayers and first visit the grave of Abu Sayed, recognised as the first martyr of the July Movement.

After meeting the activist’s family, he is expected to reach the rally venue in Rangpur after 4:30pm and deliver his speech following Maghrib prayers.

District BNP Convener Saiful Islam, Metropolitan Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, Member Secretary Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don, and other senior leaders were present during the morning inspection.

BNP chairman’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar said Tarique will return to Bogura later on Friday night after the rally.

He will spend the night there before attending public meetings in Sirajganj and Tangail on Saturday, Sattar added.

Meanwhile, members of the stage preparation committee said work has been relentless in the final hours.

Mehedi Hasan, an operator of Raj Sound who came from Dhaka, told bdnews24.com that an extensive microphone setup was underway.

“Preparations are being made to hang 200 microphones across the stage, the field and areas outside the ground,” he said.

“Another 20 additional microphones will be kept ready.”

POLICE STEP UP SECURITY AROUND RANGPUR RALLY

Meanwhile, several police teams have been deployed to maintain law and order in and around the Collectorate Eidgah Field ahead of the rally.

Policemen have already inspected the venue as part of the security preparations.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police said uniformed and plainclothes personnel will be stationed at the rally site, key roads, and entry points into the city throughout Friday.

Detective surveillance has also been intensified across Rangpur.

Deputy Commissioner (Crime) Maruf Hossain of Rangpur Metropolitan Police told bdnews24.com that senior police officials had visited the ground in advance of the BNP chairman’s programme.

“Senior officials from the metropolitan police have inspected the field for the election rally of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman,” he said.

“The police are working to ensure law and order. Everyone -- from detectives to the administration -- is keeping a close watch on the venue.”

Police Commissioner Majid Ali said security measures were in place to prevent any disruption during the public gathering.

“The police are working on the ground to provide security for BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s rally,” he told bdnews24.com.

“We hope that police activity will prevent any untoward incident around the rally.”