Wherever Tarique Rahman the Leader goes, there are people

A crowd of leaders and activists has descended on the historic Polo Ground in Chittagong since dawn surrounding the arrival of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. The entire area has been transformed into a huge political festival with banners, festoons, flags and slogans. Lakhs of leaders and activists and supporters have been gathering from Chittagong city and various districts and upazilas since morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.

On Sunday (January 25) morning, it was seen on the ground in various areas of the city including Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, GEC, Lalkhan Bazar, Tiger Pass, leaders and activists of various BNP units were moving towards the rally venue in small processions. They had party banners, festoons, placards and flags in their hands. Many were wearing party-colored caps and T-shirts. Slogans of rice sheaves were floating around. Workers and supporters from surrounding upazilas and districts are joining the rally in buses and trucks.

The city's polo ground is packed with people as soon as the morning rolls around. A festive atmosphere prevails everywhere. It is clear from the excitement of the party leaders and activists that Tarique Rahman's direct presence in Chittagong after a long time has created new vitality among them.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to be present as the chief guest at the rally at 11:30 am. Strict security measures have been taken in Chittagong city for the rally. It is learnt that about 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.

The organizers said that apart from the port city of Chittagong, a large number of leaders, workers and supporters from various upazilas and districts around are joining the rally. They expect that 10 to 15 lakh people may attend this rally.

Chittagong Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said, "Leaders and activists have started coming since morning. There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement all over Chittagong. People have flocked to the Polo Ground. We are expecting a gathering of 10 to 15 lakh people."

It is worth noting that Tarique Rahman had earlier addressed a public meeting in Chittagong in May 2005. At that time, he was the Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP. This top leader came to Chittagong again after almost 21 years.

He arrived at Shah Amanat International Airport on Saturday (January 24) evening to join the rally. On Sunday morning, the BNP chairman participated in a policy dialogue with the youth at a hotel in Chittagong. After that, he is scheduled to join the rally at the Polo Ground at 11:30 am. After the Chittagong visit, he will participate in several road meetings in Feni, Comilla and Narayanganj, party sources said.