After 22 Years, Tarique Rahman Returns to Rajshahi, Massive Public Rally

Jan 29, 2026
Politics

Image: Tarique Rahman at a Rally Stage in Rajshahi (Collected)

PNN News Desk, Rajshahi

Van driver Md. Golap (45) came to today’s rally from Noohata area of Paba Upazila, Rajshahi. Along with him is his fifth-grade son, Abir. Golap holds a plastic “paddy sheaf” in his hand, while his son carries the party flag. Standing at the northern gate of the rally ground, they wave at the marching crowds in greeting. Golap holds no position within the party, but the sheer joy of BNP chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Rajshahi after a long time is reason enough for them to attend.

After 22 years, Tarique Rahman is participating in an electoral rally in Rajshahi as party chairman. The rally is organized at the historic madrasa ground near Hazi Muhammad Mohsin Government High School, Rajshahi city. By 10:00 a.m., crowds from 13 parliamentary constituencies in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore districts, including leaders, activists, and supporters, nearly filled the field.

At 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, the aircraft carrying Tarique Rahman landed at Rajshahi Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (R.) Airport, where leaders from various party levels welcomed him. Heavy security was observed at major intersections, including Amchotwar, as supporters and party members arrived.

From early morning, people began pouring into the rally ground. Many leaders and activists walked from distant drop-off points, while ordinary citizens also joined. Their attire and enthusiasm indicated that they came not for positions but out of interest and passion for the party.

From Bagmara Upazila, farmer Moim (56) traveled by truck with nearly a hundred people for the rally. Wearing a paddy sheaf ribbon on his head and carrying his jacket over the shoulder in the heat, he said, “I have no identity, no position. I just love the party, so I came.”

Aminul Islam (56), a mango and jaggery businessman from Chapainawabganj, said, “We came in a group of 12 by microbus. We had light breakfast and reached the ground by 10 a.m.”

After 10:00 a.m., local and central leaders took turns addressing the crowd. Speeches highlighted the liberation war, contributions of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman’s political role. Multiple microphones were set up outside the rally ground to ensure speeches were heard. The rally used approximately 70 microphones.

Tarique Rahman visited the Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (R.) Dargah for ziyarat after landing at the airport before joining the rally. After the Rajshahi event, he left for Naogaon at 3:30 p.m., with evening rallies scheduled in Naogaon and Bogura.

Notably, Tarique Rahman last visited Rajshahi in 2004 as BNP senior joint secretary. This is his first visit as party chairman. The visit has generated widespread enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists in the region. From this rally, he plans to outline political strategies and request votes under the party symbol “paddy sheaf” for the upcoming elections.