RAJSHAHI, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived here today to attend several election rallies across his home division.  He landed at Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi at 12:15 pm.  At 2:00 pm, the BNP Chairman is scheduled to deliver a speech as the chief guest at an election rally at the district's Madrasa Field.  Before joining the rally, Tarique Rahman will visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (RA) at Dargapara in the city.  Ahead of his arrival, widespread enthusiasm and excitement among party workers were observed around the rally ground. By 11:00 am, the Madrasa Field was nearly full, with local residents gathering nearby to catch a glimpse of Tarique Rahman.  Party leaders, activists, and supporters streamed into the venue, with processions and convoys arriving from Rajshahi district, Natore, and Chapainawabganj. The area came alive with banners, festoons, party flags, and slogans.  Preparations for the stage, sound system, and volunteer activities were complete, as attendance is likely to rise further once the rally kicks off. Authorities have taken steps to ensure law and order.  The expectations of those gathered include hearing a development roadmap for Rajshahi from Tarique Rahman. Some want a terrorism-free country, while others are seeking greater security for general people.  Since morning, local BNP leaders and the party-nominated candidates from 13 parliamentary constituencies in Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj have been delivering speeches from the rally stage.  After a gap of 22 years, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is visiting Rajshahi today. Previously, in 2004, he had visited the city as the BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General. This is his first visit as the party chairman.  From these rallies, Tarique Rahman is expected to present his plans for the region and seek votes for the party's electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. On the occasion, he will introduce 13 BNP candidates for Parliament from these three districts to the public.  After concluding the Rajshahi rally, the BNP chairman will depart by road for Bogura. On the way, he will address another election rally in the afternoon at the ATM Field in Naogaon, where leaders and activists from Naogaon and Joypurhat districts will be present. Later in the evening, Tarique Rahman will speak at a rally at the Alfatunnessa Playground in Bogura city, his own constituency. After staying overnight in Bogura, he will visit the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed in Pirganj, Rangpur on Friday, followed by joining a public rally at the Rangpur Eidgah Ground. The party sources said that Tarique Rahman will stay in Bogura again on Friday night. On Saturday, after attending election rallies in Sirajganj and Tangail, he is scheduled to return to Dhaka later that night.

KHULNA, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - The 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) preliminary (MCQ-type) examination will be held tomorrow (January 30) from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at 21 centers in Khulna metropolitan area. To ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the examination, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), exercising powers under Sections 29 and 30 of the Khulna Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1985, has imposed restrictions from 7:00 am on the exam day until the end of the test. According to a public notice signed by KMP Commissioner Md Zulfikar Ali Haider, the assembly of five or more persons, processions, and roaming within a 200-yard radius of the examination centers will be prohibited.  Carrying weapons, knives, sticks, explosives or similar items will also be banned in the examination areas.  In addition, the use of loudspeakers or any device producing loud sound will remain prohibited. Legal action will be taken against anyone violating the order, added the notice.