Tarique Rahman to visit Barishal on Wednesday after two decades
He is expected to arrive in Barishal from Dhaka via helicopter at 11am tomorrow and will head directly to the rally venue by noon.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Barishal tomorrow (4 February), marking his first trip to the southern division in two decades.
The visit has sparked widespread enthusiasm across the region, with party leaders and activists predicting the largest political gathering in Barishal's history.
The historic Bells Park (Bangabandhu Udyan) is being prepared as the venue for the massive rally.
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Workers are currently expanding the permanent stage with additional wooden structures to accommodate a large number of senior leaders.
Local BNP units have been conducting field inspections since 1 February to ensure the venue is ready for what they describe as a "human sea."
Brief but significant
According to party sources, the BNP chief will lead a high-profile but brief two-hour visit.
He is expected to arrive in Barishal from Dhaka via helicopter at 11am tomorrow and will head directly to the rally venue by noon. He is scheduled to depart for Faridpur at around 1pm after addressing the crowd.
Ziauddin Sikder, member secretary of Barishal City BNP, stated that preparations for this rally are unlike any in the past.
He emphasised that the gathering would be a historic milestone, adding that the party may use technology to accurately measure the turnout.
Regional development
The visit carries significant emotional and political weight for the people of the southern region
Abul Hossain Khan, convener of Barishal district (South) BNP, said that millions of activists are prepared to ensure a peaceful and successful event.
Advocate Mazibor Rahman Sarwar, adviser to the BNP Chairperson, highlighted the legacy of regional development associated with the party.
He recalled the contributions of the late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia to the Barishal division.
Mazibor noted that as their successor, Tarique Rahman's leadership has revitalised local activists who have high expectations for the development of the south.
"We believe that if he becomes prime minister, the southern region will see a complete transformation," Sarwar added.
Tarique Rahman last visited Barishal in May 2006 during his tenure as the party's senior joint secretary general.
