Thousands Rally at Chattogram Polo Ground Ahead of Polls

Chattogram’s historic Polo Ground was transformed into a massive political gathering on Saturday as thousands of BNP leaders and activists arrived from across the district, marking the start of a key pre-election rally.

The event began around 10:30am, with a festive atmosphere amplified by the presence of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Supporters from the city’s 16 upazilas, Cox’s Bazar, and the three hill districts filled the venue, joining vibrant processions, chanting slogans, and carrying party banners.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver the main address at the rally, which represents the second phase of BNP’s election campaign. Senior central and local party leaders were present on the stage.

Earlier in the day, Tarique participated in a ‘Youth Policy Talk’ with around 300 university students at a local hotel. He had arrived at Shah Amanat International Airport around 7:15am and later checked into a five-star hotel.

A 100-foot-long, 60-foot-wide stage was set up at the venue, with designated areas for women and media personnel. Around 200 microphones and 10 LED screens were installed to ensure the speech reached attendees both inside and outside the ground.

Law enforcement agencies enhanced security, working alongside Tarique’s personal security team.

Tarique launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 in Sylhet, speaking at rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj. Following the Chattogram rally, he is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road, holding additional campaign stops in Feni, Cumilla, and Narayanganj.