BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed an election rally in Rajshahi on Thursday. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS)- After a lapse of 22 years, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Rajshahi today.

His last visit to the city was in 2004, when he served as the party’s Senior Secretary General. 

Ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, his visit generated widespread enthusiasm and excitement among party leaders and activists.

Tarique Rahman arrived here and from the airport, he went directly to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (RA), one of the country’s most revered places, where he offered prayers and paid his respects. He later signed the shrine’s condolence book.

After the prayers, Tarique Rahman proceeded to the historic Madrasa Ground, the venue of the public rally. When he arrived at the venue around 2:00 pm, party leaders and activists welcomed him with slogans and floral greetings. 

With a massive turnout of leaders and activists from Rajshahi district and metropolitan BNP, as well as from Chapainawabganj and Natore districts, the rally turned into a vast sea of people.

At the rally, BNP-nominated candidates from various parliamentary constituencies in the Rajshahi Division spoke one after another. They presented their electoral pledges and sought votes in favour of the party symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy.

On the outset of his speech, Tarique Rahman recalled his visit to Rajshahi 22 years ago. He said, “I have never forgotten the love of the people of Rajshahi. After a long time, coming back among you has revived those old memories.”

He pledged that if BNP comes to power, special plans will be taken for the development of the Rajshahi region. 

These include dredging the Padma River, constructing the Padma Barrage, establishing a specialized hospital in Rajshahi, providing support to set up agriculture-based mills and factories, building modern cold storage facilities, distributing agriculture cards, and initiating measures to waive agricultural loans of up to TK  10,000, including interest.

Tarique Rahman further said that a certain group is conspiring to obstruct and undermine the election. Urging party leaders and activists to remain vigilant, he said, “The election on the 12th February is extremely important. Through this election, it will be decided whether the country moves forward on the path of democracy or takes another route.”

He also called on the interim government to conduct proper investigations into any untoward incidents. “There must be proper investigations, and action should be taken in accordance with the existing laws of the land ,” he said.

After his speech, Tarique Rahman introduced the BNP-nominated candidates bearing the Sheaf of Paddy Symbol from Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore. 

He remarked, “You should keep an eye on them until February 12; after February12, they will take care of you.”

Following the Rajshahi rally, Tarique Rahman left for Naogaon in the afternoon. He is scheduled to address another public rally in the evening at the Naogaon Etim Ground.

Meanwhile, party leaders and activists from Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore were present at the Rajshahi rally. 

According to party sources, Tarique Rahman’s visit to Rajshahi after a long time has created a new zeal and enthusiasm among BNP leaders and activists.