Chattogram’s historic Polo Ground turned into a vast political gathering on Sunday as thousands of BNP leaders and activists streamed in from across the district, marking the start of the party’s major rally ahead of the national election.
The rally officially began around 10:30am at the historic Polo Ground in the port city, creating a festive atmosphere in Chattogram following the presence of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
A huge crowd was seen in and around the Polo Ground as the leaders and activists from different parts of Chattogram port city and all 16 upazilas of the district, Cox’s Bazar and the three hill districts started gathering in the rally venue early morning.
The leaders and activists entered the venue in processions from different parts of the city, chanting slogans and carrying party banners, turning the entire area vibrant with political enthusiasm.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver a speech at the rally as a chief guest.
This rally is the second phase of the BNP’s election campaign, with party insiders describing it as a crucial moment in shaping momentum ahead of the polls.
Senior central and local BNP leaders are present on the stage.
Earlier, in the day, Tarique joined ‘Youth Policy Talk’ at a hotel in the port city with around 300 university students.
Earlier on Saturday, Tarique Rahman arrived at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines around 7:15pm and later checked into a five-star hotel in the city.
A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage was constructed at the venue.
According to the organisers, separate areas have been designated for women and media personnel.
Around 200 microphones and 10 LED screens were installed in and around the venue to ensure that people outside the ground could hear Tarique Rahman’s speech.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have strengthened security measures in and around the Polo Ground. The party chairman’s personal security team is also working alongside law enforcers.
Tarique launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet’s Alia Madrasah ground and spoke at seven rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj the same day.
After the Chattogram rally, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road, holding several election rallies in Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj on the way.