As part of the campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a massive rally at Digbazi Field in Phultoli, Suwagazi, Comilla Sadar South Upazila, on Sunday, 25 January, at 7:00 pm.
In anticipation of his arrival, the Comilla District and Metropolitan BNP had made extensive arrangements for the rally. By early evening, the field was already overflowing with supporters eager to see the party chairman in person. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, with attendees chanting slogans and waving party flags.
Local resident Atikur Rahman shared his anticipation, saying, “I joined the Suwagazi rally around 4:00 pm. I had previously attended the grassroots union leaders’ conference at Comilla Stadium in 2005, where Tarique Rahman was the chief guest. Twenty-one years later, he is back in Comilla for a public rally. Seeing him even briefly is a dream for me.”
Raihan Rahman Helen, President of the Comilla Metropolitan Women’s BNP, expressed similar sentiments. “I have witnessed the leadership of Shahid Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Now, our leader is Tarique Rahman. I am determined to see him up close today and am willing to wait late into the night if necessary,” she said.
According to Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, General Secretary of Comilla South District BNP, Tarique Rahman first spoke at a rally at Chouddogram High School in Comilla after travelling from Chittagong via Feni earlier in the day. He then proceeded to deliver a major address at Digbazi Field in Suwagazi, one of the largest rallies in the district. Following the Comilla event, he was scheduled to address another rally at Daudkandi before entering Dhaka via Narayanganj.
Wasim noted that thousands of BNP supporters had travelled from across Comilla’s upazilas and unions to catch a glimpse of the party chairman.
Prominent party leaders and candidates present on the stage included:
| Name | Position / Constituency |
|---|---|
| Monirul Haque Chowdhury | Comilla-6 Sadar, MP Candidate |
| Redwan Ahmed | Comilla-7 Chandina, MP Candidate |
| Haji Jasim Uddin | Comilla-5 (Burichang-Brahmanpara), MP Candidate |
| A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon | Former Education Minister |
| Zakaria Taher Sumon | Comilla-8 Barura & District BNP President |
The rally drew widespread media attention and was described by political analysts as a significant demonstration of support for BNP in Comilla. Security measures were in place throughout the event, with police monitoring the crowd and medical teams on standby to ensure the safety of participants.
By the time Tarique Rahman took the stage, the entire Digbazi field was filled with supporters, reflecting the strong organisational capabilities of the BNP and the enduring popularity of its chairman in the region.