Tarique Rahman Visits Shrines in Sylhet, Launches Election Campaign from the City

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night. He arrived at the shrine at around 9:20 pm and offered prayers there. Afterward, he also paid respects at the nearby grave of M A G Osmani, the commander-in-chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Following the visit, at around 9:45 pm, Tarique Rahman departed for the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).

According to Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, Tarique Rahman has come to Sylhet after nearly two decades. From Sylhet, he will officially begin his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election through a public rally on Thursday. He noted that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former chairperson Khaleda Zia also traditionally started their election campaigns in Sylhet after visiting the shrines.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and other senior party leaders.

Massive Reception Along the Roads

Tarique Rahman reached Sylhet Osmani International Airport by air from Dhaka at around 8:00 pm. From there, he travelled by motorcade to the Shahjalal shrine. Thousands of party leaders, activists, and local residents lined both sides of the road from the airport to the shrine, greeting him enthusiastically. He responded by waving to the crowds from inside his vehicle.

Due to the large gathering on the roads, the vehicle carrying Tarique Rahman moved very slowly. A journey that usually takes about 15 minutes took over an hour. At one point near the shrine gate, when the vehicle was unable to proceed, BNP leader Khandaker Abdul Muktaadir addressed the crowd and urged them to clear the road so the motorcade could pass.

Security around the shrine and surrounding areas was visibly tight, with a significant presence of law enforcement agencies. Tarique Rahman entered the shrine on foot through the main gate. Party supporters standing on both sides chanted various slogans, including affectionate local calls such as “Sylheti son-in-law” and “Dulabhai.” Tarique Rahman continued to greet them by waving.

Senior BNP leaders present during the shrine visit included joint secretary general Humayun Kabir, chairperson’s advisers Khandaker Abdul Muktaadir, M A Malik, and Enamul Haque Chowdhury, central organizing secretary G K Gaus, co-organizing secretary Miftah Siddiqi, district BNP general secretary Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, and Sylhet metropolitan BNP acting president Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, among others.

Local BNP leaders said the large turnout reflected excitement among both party workers and the general public over Tarique Rahman’s visit to Sylhet.

Visit to In-Laws’ Home and Overnight Stay

After visiting the Shahjalal shrine, Tarique Rahman proceeded to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). Following that visit, he is scheduled to go to his in-laws’ home in Birampur village under Silam Union of South Surma upazila.

There, he will visit the graves of deceased members of Zubaida Rahman’s family. A prayer gathering will be held in memory of the late Khaleda Zia and other deceased family members, after which food will be served to party leaders, local residents, and attendees as a religious offering.

Later that night, Tarique Rahman and his wife are set to stay at the five-star Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort near the airport.

Thursday’s Schedule in Sylhet

According to local BNP sources, Tarique Rahman will begin Thursday’s activities at 10:00 am by holding a discussion with a group of non-political youths at the Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort. At around 11:00 am, he will address his first election rally in Sylhet at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground.

After the Sylhet rally, Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka by road. On the way, he will speak at two public gatherings in Sherpur of Moulvibazar Sadar and Shayestaganj in Habiganj, where he will formally introduce BNP-nominated candidates for those districts.