BNP chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Barisal on Wednesday as part of the party’s ongoing election campaign, marking his first visit to the city in nearly two decades. From the early hours of the morning, party leaders and activists from various districts and upazilas of Barisal division began gathering at Bells Park on Band Road, the venue for the historic rally.
The main event is scheduled for 12:00 pm, where Tarique Rahman will deliver a keynote speech. The rally is expected to bring together candidates from all 21 constituencies of Barisal division, including both BNP nominees and allied party candidates.
Preparations for the rally began yesterday evening, with supporters travelling overnight to secure positions at the venue. Nurul Islam (Roni), General Secretary of Barguna District Chhatra Dal, noted, “Many leaders and activists arrived from Barguna last night. More will be coming early this morning to join the rally.”
Women activists have also made the journey from remote areas. Nasima Begum and Kakoli Akter from Jahangir Nagar Union in Babuganj Upazila arrived very early today, having stayed at a relative’s house overnight. Nasima said, “After performing the Fajr prayers, we came straight to the field. We have no personal demands; we only want our country to prosper.”
On arrival, the rally site was fully prepared, with a large stage erected on the eastern side of the field. Special seating arrangements made of bamboo have been set aside for female leaders and activists. The entire city and rally area have been adorned with banners, festoons, and decorative arches, reflecting a festive atmosphere.
Historically, this field hosted the last major BNP rally in Barisal in 2008, delivered by the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Sixteen years later, the return of Tarique Rahman to this venue has created an atmosphere of celebration across southern Bangladesh. He last visited Barisal on 14 May 2006.
Of the 21 constituencies in Barisal division, BNP has left two seats to allies:
| District | Constituency | Allied Candidate | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patuakhali | 4 | Nurul Haque Nur | Ganadhikar Parishad |
| Bhola | 1 | Andalib Rahman (Partho) | BJP |
| Other Districts | 19 | BNP Nominees | BNP |
According to the party schedule, Tarique Rahman departed from Dhaka at 11:00 am by helicopter to Barisal and is expected to attend the rally at 12:00 pm. Following the event, he will depart for Faridpur at 1:00 pm.
Majibur Rahman Sarwar, BNP adviser and nominated candidate for Barisal Sadar, said, “Tarique Rahman is a symbol of hope and trust for the people of Bangladesh. The people of Barisal have been eagerly waiting to see him. The rally will not only energise the supporters but also send a clear message about the future development of southern Bangladesh through the candidates he has endorsed.”
The arrival of Tarique Rahman has turned Bells Park into a sea of supporters, with the political excitement in Barisal reaching a peak as both party leaders and grassroots activists participate enthusiastically in the long-awaited rally.