After a long time, the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and the unprecedented turnout at his reception rally in Dhaka have greatly energised BNP leaders and activists. Party leaders say the impact of the massive gathering in the capital surrounding Rahman’s return is being felt at the grassroots level. In particular, it has generated renewed enthusiasm among BNP workers and supporters from the central leadership down to the grassroots. Overall, the effects of the grand reception may influence the upcoming national parliamentary election.
BNP leaders say Tarique Rahman’s return has filled the long-felt vacuum caused by the absence of the party’s top leadership from Bangladesh, which had been deeply felt at the grassroots. Instead, leaders and activists have returned to their respective areas inspired after gathering in Dhaka. There is now strong optimism within the party that this enthusiasm will play a major supportive role in the electoral field. Candidates for the national parliamentary election were also highly encouraged by the massive rally. Most of the candidates have already returned to their constituencies.
Meanwhile, having recently returned from exile, Tarique Rahman will focus on election preparations after completing some formalities, including becoming a registered voter and submitting his nomination papers. Party sources say he is expected to join election campaigns for party and like-minded candidates thereafter.
Responsible party sources further say that BNP has yet to announce candidates in 15 constituencies. These candidates are expected to be finalised and announced today or tomorrow. BNP wants to quickly complete these tasks and enter the election field.
According to party sources, Tarique Rahman is likely to visit Bogura and Sylhet soon. In Sylhet, he will visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R). His in-laws’ home is also in Sylhet. Bogura is his electoral constituency. He may visit Bogura for three days, though the specific dates have not yet been confirmed.
Tarique Rahman will contest the election from Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. His mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, is expected to contest from the adjacent Bogura-7 (Gabtali–Shajahanpur) constituency. Nomination papers for both have already been collected.
The submission of nomination papers ends on 29 December. Tarique Rahman may go to Bogura on 28 December. Party sources say there is a plan for him to return to Dhaka on 30 December after submitting nomination papers on 29 December. He may stay in Bogura for several days to provide guidance to local party leaders and activists regarding election preparation and campaigning. However, another party source says Tarique Rahman may travel to Sylhet on 28 December, though that plan is also not yet final.
When asked, Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury told Prothom Alo on Friday night that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would visit Sylhet soon to pay respects at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R). However, the party has not yet confirmed the date of his visit.
More to follow…