BNP rally in Chattogram today as supporters gather from early morning

BNP leaders and activists began gathering at the historic Polo Ground in Chattogram from early morning on Sunday as the party prepares for a major rally addressed by chairman Tarique Rahman.

Since morning on January 25, supporters from different areas have been arriving at the venue in groups, while many spent the night in and around the ground. The rally, marking Tarique Rahman’s visit to Chattogram after nearly two decades, has generated widespread enthusiasm among party leaders and activists.

Banners, festoons and party slogans have filled the rally venue and surrounding roads, creating a festive atmosphere across the area.

By around 7:30am, a significant number of supporters had already taken positions near the front of the ground, with attendance continuing to rise as the morning progressed.

Early arrivals said they came at dawn in the hope of seeing the BNP chairman in person. A large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed in and around the venue to maintain security.

Iqbal Haider Chowdhury, senior joint convener of the South District Swechchhasebak Dal, said they had been staying near the rally venue since night, adding that many others had also arrived early and would return after the programme ends.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Chattogram on Saturday evening, January 24, after nearly two decades as party chief. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-147 carrying him landed at Shah Amanat International Airport at 7:20pm, after which he stayed overnight at a five-star hotel in the city.

According to party sources, he is scheduled to take part in a policy dialogue with youths at 9:30am on Sunday, followed by joining the grand rally at the Polo Ground at 11:30am. After his Chattogram visit, he is expected to attend multiple roadside meetings in Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj.

Chattogram city has been placed under heightened security for the rally, with around 2,000 police personnel deployed. The venue has been divided into three security zones — red, yellow and green.

The stage has been designated as a red zone, restricted to BNP central leaders, standing committee members and parliamentary candidates from Chattogram’s 23 constituencies. The area in front of the stage is marked as a yellow zone with separate blocks for journalists and women, while the entire field has been declared a green zone.

Tarique Rahman last visited Chattogram in 2005, when he addressed a public meeting at Laldighi Maidan during the Chattogram City Corporation election campaign.