BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Barishal on Wednesday as part of his election campaign, marking the return of the party’s top leader to the division after more than two decades. From early morning, party leaders and activists from various districts and upazilas of the division began gathering at Bells Park on Band Road, the venue of the public rally.

Tarique Rahman reached Barishal Stadium by helicopter at around noon. He then traveled by road to the rally site at Bells Park, where BNP supporters lined both sides of the streets to welcome him. He stepped onto the stage at approximately 12:27 pm.

In anticipation of the rally, BNP activists had started arriving in the city from different parts of the division on Tuesday night. Nurul Islam Roni, general secretary of the Barguna District Chhatra Dal, said many leaders and activists from Barguna reached Barishal overnight, while more participants set out early Wednesday morning to join the event.

Nasima Begum and Kakoli Akter, members of the BNP’s women’s wing from Jahangir Nagar Union in Babuganj upazila, arrived at the venue at dawn. They had stayed overnight at a relative’s home in the city. “We came after performing the Fajr prayer,” Nasima said. “We have no personal demands—our only wish is to see the country move in a positive direction.”

By morning, the rally ground and stage were fully prepared. A large stage had been erected on the eastern side of the park, with a separate bamboo-enclosed seating area designated for women activists. The city and the rally venue were decorated with banners, festoons, and arches, creating a festive atmosphere.

The last major election rally at this ground was held in 2008 by former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Sixteen years later, the arrival of Tarique Rahman—seen as the next-generation leader of the party—has brought renewed excitement across southern Bangladesh. His previous visit to Barishal took place on May 14, 2006.

Out of the 21 parliamentary constituencies in the Barishal division, the BNP has left two seats to its allies: Patuakhali-4 to Gano Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haq Nur, and Bhola-1 to Andaleeve Rahman Partho of the BJP. BNP candidates are contesting in the remaining 19 seats.

According to the party’s schedule, Tarique Rahman departed Dhaka by helicopter at 11 am, joined the rally around noon, and was expected to leave for Faridpur at about 1 pm.

Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, adviser to the BNP chairperson and the party’s nominated candidate for Barishal Sadar, said Tarique Rahman represents hope and confidence for the people of Bangladesh. “The people of Barishal have been waiting for him,” he said. “The rally ground will turn into a sea of people eager to catch a glimpse of their leader. Through this gathering, he will deliver a message in support of the candidates he has endorsed for the future development of the southern region.