Tarique Rahman, assuming office as Prime Minister, made his first visit to the BNP central office in Nayapaltan on Saturday evening. His motorcade arrived at the party headquarters at precisely 7:23 pm, greeted by a large and enthusiastic crowd of party leaders and activists who lined the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans in unison.
Earlier in the evening, at around 6:30 pm, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir entered the central office, followed by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed shortly after 7 pm. As Tarique Rahman approached the headquarters, he stood at the door of his vehicle, waving to the waiting crowd before entering the building.
Ahead of his arrival, a survey of the route from Purana Paltan’s Nightingale Crossing to the central office revealed a sea of supporters on both sides of the road, as well as on road dividers. Party activists carried banners, festoons, and placards adorned with slogans welcoming the Prime Minister. Students’ and youth wings, volunteer groups, and various allied organisations were all present, delivering chants both collectively and individually. Among the slogans heard most frequently were:
- “Welcome, Prime Minister, to our headquarters!”
- “Red roses from the student wing, with our greetings!”
The sheer number of supporters caused significant traffic congestion in the Nayapaltan area, with vehicles forced to move in a single line along the crowded streets.
Security measures were notably strict, with law enforcement personnel deployed at key points throughout Nayapaltan, Fakirapool, VIP Road, and Kakrail to ensure order. Officers maintained a visible presence, monitoring both the crowd and traffic situation.
A female party activist commented on the historic nature of the visit: “Two years ago, we could not have come here freely. We were chased by the police and faced arrests. Today… by Allah’s grace, anything is possible.”
The visit marked a symbolic moment for BNP supporters, signalling both the Prime Minister’s first official engagement at the party headquarters and a demonstration of renewed enthusiasm among its members. Observers noted the presence of a wide cross-section of party ranks, indicating strong mobilisation across the organisation.
The following table summarises the key events of the evening:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:30 pm | Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrives at BNP central office |
| 7:00 pm | Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed enters the headquarters |
| 7:23 pm | Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrives; waves to crowd before entering |
| 7:30–8:00 pm | Supporters chant slogans, display banners and placards |
| Throughout Day | Security deployed at Nayapaltan, Fakirapool, VIP Road, Kakrail; traffic congestion noted |
This high-profile visit not only underscored Tarique Rahman’s official assumption of leadership but also illustrated the enthusiasm and organisational strength of BNP’s grassroots and student wings, setting the tone for future political engagements.