A massive crowd gathered at the historic Bhawal Rajbari Ground in Gazipur for the BNP-organized rally. Although the rally officially began at 6 PM on Tuesday, people continued to fill the field and surrounding areas for several kilometers late into the night, waiting to hear BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman speak. The event aimed to introduce BNP-nominated candidates for five constituencies in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election on February 12 and to seek votes.

For over two decades, supporters from various thanas and unions in Gazipur marched to the venue, eager to see their leader in person. Even before the rally officially started, the Bhawal Rajbari Ground was packed to capacity. The crowd stretched from Shibbari to Jorpukur Para and all the way to Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College. Due to the massive turnout, it took nearly an hour and a half for Tarique Rahman’s motorcade to reach the venue from Chandana Chourasta. Many risked their lives to take selfies with their beloved leader.

At around 11:45 PM, Tarique Rahman arrived on stage with his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. He apologized for the delay and announced two new service-oriented initiatives: a Family Card to provide economic support to women and an Agriculture Card to improve farmers’ livelihoods and transform the rural economy.

During his speech, he recalled the foundation of the country’s garment industry by the late President Ziaur Rahman and the unpaid educational benefits for women during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure. He promised to expand the garment industry in Gazipur further and establish modern daycare centers for workers’ children.

Referring to his personal connection with Gazipur, Tarique Rahman emotionally said, “I spent my childhood in a red house on the southern side of Gazipur Rajbari. I played in this field. That’s why I feel a special bond with the people of Gazipur.”

He outlined plans to reduce traffic congestion by constructing a flyover at Joydebpur Railgate and to dredge and clean the Turag, Chilai, and Shaldah rivers.

Addressing supporters about the upcoming election, he instructed, “Perform Tahajjud prayer, then go to the polling station for Fajr in congregation, and stand in line. Make sure no one enters before you.” He then introduced the five BNP candidates of Gazipur on stage and sought votes for the “Dhanner Sheesh” (paddy sheaf) symbol.

The rally was chaired by Shaukat Hossain Sarkar, President of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, and coordinated by M Manjurul Karim Roni, BNP-nominated candidate for Gazipur-2 and Secretary of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP, and Barrister Israk Ahmed Siddique, District BNP Secretary. Other speakers included AKM Fazlul Haque Milon (Gazipur-5 BNP candidate), Benjir Ahmed Titu (BNP co-organizational secretary), Mufti Nasir Uddin (Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami, Gazipur Metropolitan), Dr. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu (Gazipur-3 candidate), Hasan Uddin Sarkar (former MP), Md. Mojibur Rahman (Gazipur-1 candidate), Dr. Majharul Alam (BNP executive member), Salauddin Sarkar (Central Workers’ Party), Shah Riazul Hannan (Gazipur-4 candidate), Helal Uddin Khan (former Chairman, Kaliakoir Upazila BNP), Advocate Mehedi Hasan Elis (Gazipur Sadar Metro Thana President), Abdus Salam (former Sadar Metro Thana convener), Hasan Azmal Bhuiya, Sakhawat Hossain Shobuj (District BNP committee member), Bashir Uddin (Tongi West Thana convener), Monirul Islam Babul (Gacha Thana President), and Humayun Kabir Master (Kaliganj Upazila BNP President), among others.