Tarique Rahman to address first public rally in Jashore today

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will address his first-ever public rally in Jashore today (February 2) as part of the party’s election campaign ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

The rally, featuring BNP candidates from greater Jashore and Kushtia regions contesting under the 'Dhaner Shish' symbol, will be held at the Suburban Central Sports Ground (Degree College field), located outside Jashore city, in a move aimed at minimising public inconvenience.

Anindya Islam Amit, acting organising secretary of BNP’s national executive committee for Khulna division and the party’s nominee for Jashore-3 (Sadar), said the decision was taken to avoid traffic disruption and hardship to residents, students and commuters. He cited recent public inconvenience caused by large political gatherings in the city as a key consideration.

Addressing a press conference at the Jashore Press Club on Sunday, Amit said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Jashore by helicopter around 1:30pm. He will formally introduce BNP candidates from Jashore, Narail, Magura, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur and Kushtia districts.

“This is the first time a major political party is organising such a rally outside the city centre,” Amit said, adding that holding the event in a central location could have led to widespread disruption due to the expected large turnout. “We are doing politics for the people, and their convenience has been prioritised.”

Senior BNP leaders, including Vice Chairperson Prof Nargis Begum and district-level party officials, were present at the press conference.

Meanwhile, Jashore has taken on a festive atmosphere ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit, with campaign processions and decorations visible across the district. Party leaders and activists expressed high enthusiasm over the visit.

Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam said more than 500 police personnel will be deployed in and around the rally venue, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers already on duty to ensure security.