Photo: Video Screenshot

CUMILLA, May 16, 2026 (BSS) - After assuming office as head of the government, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Cumilla today for the first time. 

Since Saturday morning, large numbers of party leaders, activists, and ordinary people gathered along the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway and the Comilla–Chandpur regional road to welcome him. The huge crowds created a festive atmosphere throughout the area.

At around 10.45 am when the premier’s motorcade crossed the Meghna-Gumti Bridge area in Daudkandi, leaders and activists standing on both sides of the highway welcomed him with slogans, banners, and festoons. 

Enthusiastic crowds and excitement were visible across the highway. By 11.45am, the prime minister’s convoy had reached the Nimsar area of Cumilla.

On his way to Chandpur, he is scheduled to attend a roadside rally beside the Cumilla–Chandpur regional road in Barura upazila. 

To mark the visit, leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations from different upazilas and unions of the district gathered at designated points from early morning.

In the Daudkandi area, the premier was greeted with flowers by Khandaker Maruf Hossain, son of Cumilla-1 constituency lawmaker Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. 

Under his leadership, a large number of party activists stood beside the highway.

Supporters of Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad also greeted the Prime Minister in the Elliotganj area. In the Nimsar Bazar area, supporters of MP Haji Jasim Uddin gathered along the roadside as well.

Meanwhile, from Alekharchar on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to the Cumilla–Chandpur regional road, leaders and supporters of Cumilla 
South District BNP, Cumilla Metropolitan BNP, and supporters of Cumilla Sadar constituency MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury stood in lines to welcome the Prime Minister. 

Similarly, from Bijra to the rally venue, a significant presence of activists led by Comilla-9 Laksam-Manohorganj constituency MP Abul Kalam was also observed.

Security measures were tightened at important intersections, roads, and public gathering spots across the district surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit. 

Alongside law enforcement personnel, administrative officials were also actively present on the ground. Special arrangements were taken to keep traffic moving normally.

Cumilla Metropolitan BNP President Udbatul Bari Abu said, “There is tremendous enthusiasm among party leaders and activists to welcome Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. At every important point on the roads and highways, activists are standing with banners, festoons, and placards.”

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan said, “The district administration has taken comprehensive preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Comilla. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure security and maintain normal traffic movement.”