People want change, Tarique says before huge BNP crowd in Ctg
People want safety, access to treatment and the restoration of democratic rights, says BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the people of Bangladesh are demanding change.
Speaking at Chattogram's Polo Ground, where thousands of party leaders and supporters had gathered since this morning (25 January), Tarique said people want safety, access to treatment and the restoration of democratic rights.
The rally marked the start of his scheduled programmes in the port city and formed part of the BNP's nationwide election campaign ahead of the upcoming general election.
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Earlier, Chattogram witnessed large-scale processions this morning, as thousands of leaders and activists gathered at the historic Polo Ground field in the city ahead of the BNP rally.
The main rally at Polo Ground was officially scheduled to begin at 11:30am, although crowds had started assembling from dawn.
From early morning, supporters from Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and the three hill districts began arriving at the venue, with the field filling up well before the scheduled start of the programme.
The crowd later spilt onto surrounding roads as buses, trucks and trains brought in participants through different entry points of the city.
Processions were seen across the port city, with activists carrying national and party flags alongside the sheaf of paddy symbol.
Party leaders and activists described the gathering as a significant moment after a gap of nearly two decades, seeing it as an opportunity to revive organisational activities in the region.
Earlier this morning, Tarique attended a programme titled "The Plan" at a hotel in the city.
The event, described as a 'Youth Policy Talk', involved an exchange of views with young participants from Chattogram on issues related to the future direction of the country.
The rally at Polo Ground was presided over by Chattogram city BNP Convener Ershad Ullah.
The enthusiasm seen across the city since his arrival in Chattogram yesterday evening (24 January) was reflected in the turnout at the rally venue.
After the programme, Tarique is scheduled to travel to Dhaka by road and take part in further election rallies in Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj along the way.
The Chittagong Metropolitan Police said a three-tier security arrangement had been put in place around the stage and the surrounding area.
In addition to uniformed police, members in plain clothes are also on duty, and the venue is being checked with a dog squad following completion of the stage setup.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid said around 2,500 to 3,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the assembly area.
