News Flash
SYLHET, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman will begin the party’s election campaign from Sylhet on Thursday, maintaining the party’s long-standing tradition, as extensive preparations and enthusiasm are being witnessed among party leaders, activists and the general public.
According to BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman will start his visit by offering prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R). Later in the morning, he will address his first election rally at the Government Alia Madrasa ground in the city.
The visit has generated widespread enthusiasm in Sylhet, with a festive atmosphere prevailing across the city. Banners and festoons have covered the surroundings of the Alia Madrasa ground, while welcome processions, campaign rallies, leaflet distribution and microphone announcements are continuing regularly. Preparations of the rally stage are also nearing completion.
Sylhet district and metropolitan BNP leaders informed at a press conference at a city hotel this afternoon that Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Sylhet on Wednesday night.
They said all necessary preparations have been taken to ensure the success of the programme, noting that the BNP Chairman is visiting Sylhet after a lapse of nearly 20 years, which has further heightened public interest.
BNP Chairman’s Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the party is making all required organizational preparations, while law enforcement agencies are giving due importance to security arrangements.
He said special attention is being paid to the Alia Madrasa ground and surrounding areas as this will be Tarique Rahman’s first public rally after the formal start of election campaigning.
BNP Organizing Secretary GK Gaus said Tarique Rahman will address the Sylhet rally at around 11:30 am, where candidates nominated by the party and alliance for six Sylhet constituencies and five Sunamganj constituencies will be introduced.
He said the BNP Chairman will later travel by road to Moulvibazar, where he will address a rally at Sherpur and introduce candidates for the district’s constituencies.
In the afternoon, he will attend a separate programme in Habiganj to introduce candidates for the district’s four parliamentary seats.
A visit to the Alia Madrasa ground showed extensive preparations underway, with banners and festoons welcoming Tarique Rahman displayed throughout the venue and adjacent areas.
The field is being levelled using rollers, while podium construction on the eastern side is nearing completion. Organizers said about 80 percent of the stage work has already been completed.
Bamboo barricades have been set up to 30 feet in front of the stage, with special seating arrangements being made for families of July martyrs and the injured.
BNP Chairman’s Adviser and former Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman will launch his election campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R).
He expressed optimism that the Alia Madrasa rally would draw a massive crowd, with participation from BNP leaders, alliance partners and the general public.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have taken a six-tier security plan centering on Tarique Rahman’s Sylhet visit.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police spokesman Mohammad Saiful Islam said ensuring security for the programme in the city is part of their responsibility.
He said BNP leaders have already held meetings with the SMP commissioner regarding security , adding that multi-tires security measures including uniformed and plain –clothed law enforcers will be deployed at all venues and along travel routes.
