After nearly two decades, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit Sylhet to formally launch the party’s election campaign for the 13th parliamentary election slated for February 12.
Tarique last visited Sylhet in 2005 when he was the party’s senior joint secretary general. This time, he will visit the region in his capacity as BNP chairman.
According to party leaders, he will arrive in Sylhet by air on the night of January 21. The following morning, January 22, he will begin BNP’s nationwide election campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R), continuing a long-standing party tradition.
Since the introduction of the caretaker government system in 1991, BNP has customarily launched its election campaigns from Sylhet. The party’s founding chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia had inaugurated all previous election campaigns by offering prayers at the shrines of the two revered saints. In her absence, the responsibility of maintaining that tradition has now passed to her eldest son.
Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury said the party is enthusiastic about Tarique’s visit. “January 22 will mark the formal beginning of our election campaign across the country. Our chairman will start this journey from the holy land of Sylhet, just as Khaleda Zia did in the past,” he told reporters.
He added that Sylhet holds special significance for Tarique, both politically and personally. “The people of Sylhet are known for their hospitality. Leaders, activists, and supporters are eagerly waiting to welcome him,” Chowdhury said.
Following the shrine visits, Tarique is scheduled to address a major public rally at 11:00 am at the Alia Madrasa ground in the Chouhatta area of Sylhet city. BNP leaders and activists from Sylhet and Sunamganj districts, including party-nominated parliamentary candidates, are expected to attend the rally.
After the Sylhet program, he will travel to Dhaka by road. On the way, he is scheduled to address two additional public rallies—one in Sherpur of Moulvibazar and another in Shayestaganj of Habiganj. At these rallies, BNP plans to formally introduce its parliamentary candidates from the respective districts.
BNP sources said organizational preparations are underway to ensure a large turnout at the rallies. A coordination meeting involving district and metropolitan BNP leaders, as well as candidates from Sylhet and Sunamganj, is scheduled to be held to discuss logistics, crowd management, and security arrangements.
Tarique returned to the country on December 25. Former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30, just days after his return, marking a period of transition for the party’s leadership.
According to the Election Commission’s announced schedule, electoral symbols will be allocated on January 21, while election campaign will begin on January 22.
BNP leaders view Rahman’s Sylhet visit as a symbolic and strategic move, signalling the party’s readiness to enter the election race with renewed leadership and a message rooted in long-standing political tradition.