Tens of thousands of opposition BNP activists and leaders joined an anti-government rally in Chattogram city amid tight security on Wednesday as part of the party’s series of protests.

The rally began on Wednesday afternoon at the city’s historic Polo Ground where presence of police and other security officials was noticeable as authorities say they remained alert to prevent any untoward incident from happening.

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Organisers said the rally was meant to denounce price hike of daily essentials and fuels, death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Jashore, and to ensure freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The BNP has long been demanding that next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government--a demand sharply rejected by the ruling Awami League.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to announce the party’s next programmes at the rally later Wednesday.

Chattogram City unit BNP Convenor Dr Shahdat Hossain chaired the meeting.

The BNP activists started gathering at the rally venue by vehicles and on foot since Tuesday night from different districts and units under Chattogram Division.

Many of them alleged that they faced obstacles at various entry points of the country’s second largest city as the ruling party men allegedly attempted to intercept them.

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Tension was prevailing high in and around the rally venue.

Wednesday’s rally is the first rally by the BNP at the divisional level. Similar rallies have been planned in other divisional headquarters to drum up support in the run up to the next election expected to be held late next year or in early 2024.

The BNP will conclude the divisional rallies through a mass gathering in Dhaka city on December 10.