RANGPUR, Jan 29: After nearly three decades, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Rangpur, creating a festive atmosphere across the divisional city and its surrounding areas.
Preparations for the rally, scheduled for Friday at Rangpur Central Eidgah Ground, have been completed within a single day to ensure its success, according to a press conference held Thursday at the Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The conference was addressed by BNP Central Organizing Secretary for Rangpur Division, Asadul Habib Dulu, who said the rally will be organized in full compliance with the election code of conduct.
"As our leader is visiting Rangpur after 30 long years, there is huge enthusiasm among the people," Dulu said. "We expect not only the rally venue but the entire city to turn into a sea of people."
Highlighting long-standing regional needs, Dulu said that if BNP comes to power, the Teesta Mega Project, a key demand of northern Bangladesh, will be implemented. Plans also include reopening closed land ports, establishing new educational institutions at district and upazila levels-including one in memory of Shaheed Abu Sayeed-and creating an Economic Zone to revive local industry and commerce.
On relations with other political parties, Dulu emphasized that BNP seeks peaceful participation in the upcoming elections and does not aim for conflict with Jamaat. He reiterated the party chairman's stance on the media as a pillar of the nation, warning that strict action will be taken against any leader or activist involved in harassing journalists or engaging in untoward incidents.
Several BNP-nominated parliamentary candidates from Rangpur attended the press conference, including Mokarram Hossain Sujan (Rangpur-1), Mohammad Ali Sarker (Rangpur-2), Shamsuzzaman Samu (Rangpur-3), Mohammad Emdadul Haque Bhorsa (Rangpur-4), Golam Rabbani (Rangpur-5), and Saiful Islam (Rangpur-6).
Leaders and activists from BNP's district and metropolitan units, along with affiliated and associate organizations, were also present, reflecting strong local mobilization ahead of the highly anticipated visit.
