Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit Khulna and Bagerhat on Thursday to attend different programmes, including the inauguration of the second season of the “Notun Kuri Sports” competition.

The Prime Minister will leave Dhaka by helicopter at 9am and fly to Mongla in Bagerhat before travelling to Khulna by road, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

“He has two scheduled programmes in Mongla and one in Khulna. He will also visit the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA) in Bagerhat district town,” Rumon said.

After completing his programmes in Mongla, Tarique will travel to Khulna by road and inaugurate the “Notun Kuri Sports” (Season 2) at the Khulna District Stadium.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has organised the competition to identify sporting talents from grassroots levels across the country.

The Prime Minister’s visit has generated enthusiasm among BNP leaders, activists and supporters, as well as local residents.

The city has been cleaned and decorated ahead of the visit. The district stadium and nearby roads have been adorned with colourful banners and festoons promoting the Notun Kuri Sports competition.

Murals depicting Khulna’s history and heritage have also been painted on walls from Shibbari intersection to the main entrance of the railway station. They include images related to the July uprising, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Sundarbans and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Unlike previous visits by heads of government, the city has not been filled with welcome arches, banners and festoons put up by political leaders and activists.

The arches and billboards installed to welcome the Prime Minister have been removed, along with party banners and festoons.

Security has also been tightened across Khulna city ahead of the visit.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Monju said the city had been cleaned and beautified to welcome the Prime Minister. “We are waiting to warmly welcome our Prime Minister,” he said.