Tarique Rahman to return to Barishal after 20 years, surge of supporters ahead of rally

BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman is visiting Barishal today, Wednesday, February 4, to take part in election campaigning after two decades.

Supporters from different districts and upazilas of the Barishal division began gathering at the rally venue from early morning to catch a glimpse of their leader. Many arrived at the historic Bells Park ground right after Fajr prayers.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the election rally at 12:00pm. Candidates of BNP and its alliance from all 21 constituencies of the Barishal division will be present.

A visit to the venue showed no shortage of preparations. A large stage has been built on the eastern side of the ground. Separate seating arrangements have been made for female supporters, with designated areas enclosed by bamboo and covered with banana leaves. Banners, festoons and arches across the city and around the venue have created a festive election atmosphere.

Notably, former prime minister Khaleda Zia last addressed an election rally at this ground in 2008. After 16 years, the arrival of Tarique Rahman as the next-generation leader has generated an atmosphere of celebration in the southern region.

Local sources said BNP has left two of the 21 constituencies in Barishal division for alliance partners. Nurul Haque Noor of Gono Odhikar Parishad is contesting in Patuakhali-4, while Andaleeve Rahman Partha of BJP is contesting in Bhola-1 under the BNP symbol of the sheaf of paddy. In several constituencies of Pirojpur and Patuakhali, BNP is expected to face tough contests against candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon.

Jhalokathi district BNP joint organising secretary Alamgir Hossain Bepari said they were hopeful that BNP candidates would win in 90 percent of the constituencies in the division.
According to the party schedule, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Barishal by helicopter from Dhaka at 11am and leave for Faridpur around 1pm after the rally.

BNP chairperson’s adviser Advocate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar said people in the south expected Tarique Rahman to continue the development legacy established by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman last visited Barishal in 2006 as BNP’s senior joint secretary general.