Preparations are in full swing at the A-Team ground in Naogaon district town ahead of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s visit on Thursday, marking his first public rally in the district in nearly 20 years as part of the party’s election campaign.

Party leaders and activists expressed optimism for a massive turnout, aiming to transform the rally into a ‘sea of people’.

The event is scheduled to begin at 3:00pm with workers busy constructing the stage and installing sound systems at the ground.

During the rally, he is expected to introduce BNP candidates for six parliamentary constituencies in Naogaon and two in neighbouring Joypurhat, while seeking votes for the party’s electoral symbol,  ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

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Naogaon district unit BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddiq will preside over the rally with central and local party leaders also scheduled to address the gathering.

Ahead of the event, BNP leaders, activists, and affiliated bodies from 11 upazilas of the district have been actively engaged in preparations, holding meetings and campaign activities across Naogaon Sadar and other areas.

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Supporters from Joypurhat, as well as parts of Bogura and Natore, are also expected to attend.

Inspecting the stage construction on Wednesday, Naogaon district BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rahman said Tarique Rahman will visit Rajshahi and Naogaon districts as part of the election campaign, adding that all preparations, including security arrangements, have been completed.

District BNP Organising Secretary Nur-e-Alam said the rally would differ from previous gatherings in Naogaon.

“After a long gap, Tarique Rahman himself is coming to Naogaon to address people directly. This is not just a party programme,  it is a people-oriented event,” he said, estimating a turnout of at least five lakh participants from all walks of life.

Tarique Rahman last visited Naogaon in 2006 when he was the BNP’s senior joint secretary general.