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Chittagong, Jan. 24 – After almost 21 years, the historic Polo Ground in the coastal city of Chittagong is poised to experience a significant political event as BNP leader Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver a major election speech on Sunday.

The coastal city is filled with energy as BNP leaders, activists, and followers from all over Chittagong arrive, transforming the vicinity of the Polo Ground into a center of political engagement.

For numerous individuals, the event holds significant emotional and symbolic importance, signifying Tarique Rahman’s reentry into the city following a period of 20 years and seven months.

This rally will officially mark the start of the BNP’s second phase in its election campaign, with party members referring to it as a key opportunity to build momentum before the voting. Streets, party headquarters, and community hubs throughout the city are buzzing with activity, featuring posters and slogans that show the increased excitement about the visit.

Tarique Rahman is set to appear at approximately 11:30 am, as thousands are anticipated to assemble at the renowned site, which has a long history of significant political events in Chattogram.

Organizers claim the protest is anticipated to be one of the biggest BNP events the city has witnessed in recent times.

A stage that is 100 feet in length and 60 feet in width is being built at the location, with workers observed actively preparing on Saturday afternoon.

As per the event organizers, distinct zones have been set aside for female attendees and press members, with security staff positioned at the front of the stage.

Approximately 200 microphones and 10 LED displays will be set up inside and outside the location to allow individuals outside the stadium to listen to Tarique Rahman’s address.

Former General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Abul Hashem Bakkar stated that thousands of individuals would assemble in the city for the demonstration, noting that Chattogram would experience extraordinary parades.

A member of the BNP Standing Committee, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, stated that the rally would not only be a political event but also a public assembly showcasing involvement from individuals across various sectors of society.

“Just as residents of Chattogram once came together to witness the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, today we are witnessing similar excitement with the arrival of Tarique Rahman,” he stated.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor and former city leader of BNP, Dr Shahadat Hossain, mentioned that BNP’s connection with Chattogram is long-standing, highlighting that the late President Ziaur Rahman had proclaimed independence from this city.

“Within this historical lineage, the future politician Tarique Rahman is arriving in Chattogram. Individuals from every sector are keen to greet him, and the Polo Ground will become a crowd of people,” he said.

City BNP Convener Ershad Ullah mentioned that Tarique Rahman last came to Chattogram in 2005 while campaigning for the City Corporation election and has not returned since. “Once he became BNP chairman, it is our ethical duty to greet him warmly,” he stated.

City BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman stated that they anticipate a minimum of 10 lakh participants at the gathering, comprising many regular citizens.

In the meantime, police organizations have enhanced safety protocols within and near the Polo Ground. The party leader’s private protection unit is also collaborating with authorities.

A public announcement issued by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz has banned the carrying of weapons, explosives, sticks, bricks, stones, unauthorized banners, and drones within the rally zone from January 24 to 25 in order to ensure public safety and order. The notice mentioned that legal consequences will be imposed on those who breach the regulations.

Earlier in the day, leaders from the Chattogram Metropolitan branch of BNP convened a meeting with the CMP Commissioner to discuss security measures for the rally. The police chief pledged full support, according to party officials.

BNP leaders and activists think that Tarique Rahman’s return will bring new energy to the party’s efforts before the 13th parliamentary elections. At the rally, he is anticipated to present party plans, urge leaders to collaborate effectively, and gain public backing for BNP’s election emblem, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

Additionally, Tarique is scheduled to participate in a ‘Youth Policy Talk’ at a hotel in the coastal city at 9:30am on Sunday, where approximately 300 university students will be in attendance.

Law and Order, with significant corruption issues, is a key focus for the BNP: Tarique

At the gathering, the BNP leader will present his party’s policy suggestions regarding education, job creation, farming, healthcare, women’s advancement, and the environment, along with other topics, according to BNP officials.

After the Chattogram events, he will speak at campaign rallies held at the Feni Pilot School ground, Chauddagram High School ground in Cumilla, Sonagazi Digbazi Field, Daudkandi Central Eidgah ground, and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj.

Tarique initiated the first stage of his electoral campaign on January 22 at the Alia Madrasah ground in Sylhet and addressed seven gatherings in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj on the same day.