Sylhet: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is preparing to embark on a two-day tour of Sylhet to officially launch his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election. This tour will include addressing seven rallies on Thursday.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the BNP Election Steering Committee, announced that Tarique Rahman would arrive in Sylhet by air at 8:15 pm to commence the campaign. The BNP Chairman plans to visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal to offer fateha, following the party’s tradition.

The tour will see Tarique Rahman addressing rallies at various locations, starting with Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground, followed by Ainpur playground in Moulvibazar, and proposed new Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj. He will continue to Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, and hold roadside rallies in Narsingdi and Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka.

BNP leaders have informed relevant district administrations and police about the campaign events. The Sylhet tour marks Tarique Rahman’s return to the region since his last visit in 2005. This campaign launch follows a family tradition initiated by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and continued by Begum Khaleda Zia.

BNP plans to unveil an election theme song at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka, marking the formal campaign start. The theme song will be launched by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, with key party leaders attending the event.

Tarique Rahman will be accompanied by senior party leaders during his election tours, acknowledging their contributions to the party’s long-standing democratic movement. The Sylhet tour will include leaders like Abdul Qader Bhuiyan Jewel and Mamun Hasan.

Mahdi Amin emphasized the importance of a peaceful and fair election campaign, urging political parties to adhere to the election code of conduct. Tarique Rahman had earlier planned visits to northern regions, which were canceled upon the Election Commission’s request to maintain a proper election environment.

The BNP leader expressed concerns about undesirable activities, such as collecting voter ID cards and bKash numbers, urging vigilance to maintain a level playing field. BNP aims for a free and fair election, with Mahdi Amin calling on the Election Commission to ensure a credible process and adherence to the election code of conduct.