Tarique Rahman to address rally at Bells Park after 25 years of his mother  Khaleda Zia

A public rally of the BNP is being held today, Wednesday, February 4, at the historic Bells Park ground in Barishal city. The party's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, will deliver speech as the chief guest.

This marks his participation in a direct political programme in Barishal after nearly two decades. This will also be his first direct public gathering at Bells Park.

Previously, the party's Chairperson and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, addressed an election rally at the same ground ahead of the 2001 national parliamentary elections. Therefore, with a BNP top leadership rally being held at Bells Park after about 25 years, a festive atmosphere has been created across the Barishal division.

Although the formal programme of the rally was scheduled to begin at 11 am on Wednesday, a surge of BNP leaders and activists poured into Barishal city from Tuesday afternoon onwards, hoping to catch a glimpse of the leader.

Leaders and activists arriving from six districts and 42 upazilas of the division have already taken positions in the city. Residential hotels in the city are fully occupied as a result. Many leaders and activists are staying at the homes of relatives and local leaders, while others spent the night at the rally venue itself.

From Tuesday afternoon, leaders and activists were seen moving around the Bells Park ground, many adorned in various attire featuring the Sheaf of Paddy symbol. Processions and marches were also held in different areas of the city to welcome Tarique Rahman.

Local residents expressed hope that significant promises regarding the development of the southern region might be announced from the rally if the BNP comes to power in the upcoming 13th national parliament election. Potential promises include supplying gas from Bhola to the southern region, implementing the Bhanga–Kuakata six-lane highway, and constructing the Barishal–Bhola bridge.

Tight security measures have been implemented across Barishal city to ensure the rally concludes peacefully. The army, police, and various law enforcement agencies are performing duties in and around the ground and its vicinity. On Wednesday morning, officials from Tarique Rahman's security detail inspected the rally venue and stage. Additionally, a coordination meeting regarding the law and order situation was held at the District Commissioner's office.

BNP National Executive Committee member Ebaidul Haque Chan said that Tarique Rahman's direct visit to Barishal after a long time holds historic significance for the party's leaders and activists.

BNP Barishal Divisional Organising Secretary Advocate Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin informed that Tarique Rahman would depart for Barishal from Dhaka by helicopter. He is expected to arrive at the rally venue around noon and will depart for Faridpur after the programme concludes.