A van driver named Md Golap (45) arrived from the Nowhata area of Paba upazila in Rajshahi with his fifth-grade son, Abir. The father held a plastic sheaf of paddy while the child waved a party flag. Processions streamed into the rally ground through the northern gate, and the father–son duo greeted each march by raising the symbol and flag. Golap holds no position in the party; he said he came purely out of joy, bringing his son along because Tarique Rahman was scheduled to attend.

After a gap of 22 years, Tarique Rahman arrived in Rajshahi to address an election rally as party chair. His last visit to the city was as senior secretary general. The rally was organized at the field of Haji Muhammad Muhsin Government High School in Rajshahi city, locally known as the historic Madrasa Maidan. By 10 a.m., the venue was nearly full with supporters from 13 constituencies across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore.

Around 12:20 p.m., the aircraft carrying Tarique Rahman landed at Shah Makhdum (R) Airport in Rajshahi, where party leaders and activists welcomed him. Supporters also gathered near the Paba Upazila Parishad. Police were seen on alert at key intersections across the city, including Amtala Square.

People began entering the rally ground from early morning. Party activists traveled from distant areas by bus, truck, motorcycle, and microbus, leaving their vehicles at designated points and walking the rest of the way. Alongside party workers, many ordinary citizens also joined, their appearance suggesting they had come out of personal enthusiasm rather than organizational duty.

From Bagmara, farmer Moim set out for the rally at 7 a.m. riding on a truck, wearing a ribbon bearing the party’s election symbol. As the sun rose, he tied his jacket and scarf together and slung them over his back. Fifty-six-year-old Moim said he holds no title or position—he came simply because he supports the party. About 100 people traveled with him.

Aminul Islam (56), a mango and molasses trader from Chapainawabganj, also attended with 11 others in a microbus. He said they started early in the morning, had a simple breakfast, and reached the rally by 10 a.m.

From 10 a.m. onward, local leaders took the stage, delivering speeches on the Liberation War and the roles of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman in national politics. Loudspeakers were set up beyond the field to broadcast the speeches, with party sources saying around 70 microphones were being used.

After landing, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R) before heading to the rally. Leaders and activists from Rajshahi district and city, as well as Chapainawabganj and Natore, were expected to attend. After the Rajshahi rally, he planned to leave for Naogaon in the afternoon to address another gathering, followed by a nighttime rally in Bogura.

This marks Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Rajshahi as party chief, a trip that has energized party supporters. From the rally, he is expected to outline his plans for the region and seek public support ahead of the elections.