Tarique Rahman heading to Sylhet today, campaign begins tomorrow

Tarique Rahman will formally begin his election campaign on Thursday morning, January 22, through visits to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal, R, and Hazrat Shah Paran, R. He will then address a public rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in the city as the chief guest.

To kick off his election campaign, Tarique Rahman is travelling to Sylhet today, Wednesday, January 21. He is scheduled to arrive in Sylhet by air in the afternoon and will stay overnight at a five-star hotel near the airport.

While staying in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman referred to Sylhet as his ‘second home’ at several events. His in-laws are based in the holy city. After nearly 20 years, the BNP chairman is returning to Sylhet. Of this period, he spent around 17 years in the United Kingdom. The last time he visited Sylhet, he was the party’s joint secretary general. This time, however, he is visiting as the party’s top guardian and chairman.

It may be recalled that on December 25, while returning from the United Kingdom, the aircraft carrying Tarique Rahman first landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport. After a brief stopover, the flight departed for Dhaka. For security reasons, he did not disembark from the aircraft that day.

On the second day of his visit, Thursday, January 22, Tarique Rahman will begin his formal election campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal, R, and Hazrat Shah Paran, R, in the morning. At 11.00 am, he will address a public rally at the Alia Madrasa ground as the chief guest. This will be BNP’s first public rally ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP and its affiliated organisations have taken extensive preparations in Sylhet surrounding Tarique Rahman’s visit. To ensure the success of the rally, processions, gatherings and leaflet distribution programmes are being held daily. The entire city has been decorated with banners, festoons and billboards to welcome the party leader. Preparations at the Alia Madrasa ground are nearing completion, with stage construction currently underway. Overall, a festive atmosphere prevails among party leaders and activists.