BNP acting chairman and Bogra-6 (Sadar) constituency candidate Tarique Rahman is set to visit Bogra on January 11, marking his first visit to the district in 19 years. This will also be his first trip outside Dhaka in nearly two decades, party leaders said.
The visit has generated considerable enthusiasm among BNP leaders, activists and supporters in Bogra, according to district party leaders.
Bogra district BNP Vice President and Sadar Upazila BNP President Maftun Ahmed Khan Rubel said Tarique Rahman is expected to arrive in Bogra on the evening of January 11 and stay overnight at a hotel.
On January 12, he will attend a mass doa mahfil at 10am at the city’s Altafunnesa playground, organised by the district BNP, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
After the prayers, Tarique Rahman will travel through Satmatha, Tinmatha and Matidali to visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar (RA) at Mahasthan. From there, he will proceed to Rangpur, where he is scheduled to visit the grave of July martyr Abu Sayed.
Maftun Ahmed Khan Rubel said several programs, including a public reception, were initially planned to mark Tarique Rahman’s return after a long absence. However, as he is contesting the upcoming 13th parliamentary election from Bogra-6, such programs have been shelved to avoid violating the election code of conduct.
Shibganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Abdul Wahab said Tarique Rahman will also visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi Mahisawar (RA) at Mahasthan in Shibganj upazila on his way to Rangpur. He is expected to be welcomed there under the leadership of Mir Shahe Alam, BNP’s nominated candidate for Bogra-2 (Shibganj). Party leaders and activists will later escort him to Rahabal, the last border area of Shibganj upazila.
According to Bogra district BNP sources, Tarique Rahman last visited Bogra on December 24, 2006. After nearly 19 years and 18 days, he is set to return to the district, sparking widespread excitement among party leaders, activists and supporters eager to see him once again.
