United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura upazila of Cumilla on Saturday while travelling to Chandpur on his first visit to the district as head of government. The Prime Minister arrived at the rally venue around 1:20 pm. As he stepped onto the stage, leaders and activists welcomed him with loud applause and cheers. Tarique waved to the crowd in response to their greetings. His Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is going to Chandpur. On the way, he is taking part in this roadside rally and will deliver a brief speech here.” Party leaders, activists and supporters started gathering at Lakshmipur Bazar ground from around 9am in small processions carrying banners and festoons. By 10:30am, the roadside rally turned into a large gathering with the presence of thousands of leaders and activists. Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Chandpur by road from his Gulshan residence at around 8:45am. During the Chandpur visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation work of two canals, address a public rally at Chandpur Government College ground, distribute Family Cards and attend an organisational meeting with local BNP leaders and activists. This is Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Chandpur as Prime Minister and his first trip to the district in 22 years. He last visited Chandpur in 2004 when he served as Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP.