After nearly 21 years, the historic Polo Ground in the port city of Chattogram is once again set to witness a defining political moment as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to address a major election rally on Sunday.

The port city is buzzing with excitement as BNP leaders, activists and supporters from across Chattogram pour in, turning the area around the Polo Ground into a hive of political activity.

For many, the occasion carries deep emotional and symbolic weight, marking Tarique Rahman’s return to the city after a gap of 20 years and seven months.

This rally will formally launch the second phase of the BNP’s election campaign, with party insiders describing it as a crucial moment in shaping momentum ahead of the polls. Streets, party offices and local gathering points across the city are alive with preparations, posters and slogans, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm surrounding the visit.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take the stage at around 11:30am, when thousands are expected to gather at the historic ground, long associated with landmark political events in Chattogram’s history.

Organisers say the rally is expected to be one of the largest BNP gatherings the city has seen in recent years.

A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage is being constructed at the venue, where workers were seen busy with preparations on Saturday afternoon.

According to the organisers, separate areas have been designated for women and media personnel, while security personnel will be stationed at the front of the stage.

Around 200 microphones and 10 LED screens will be installed in and around the venue to ensure that people outside the ground can hear Tarique Rahman’s speech.

Former General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Abul Hashem Bakkar said thousands of people would gather in the city for the rally, adding that Chattogram would witness unprecedented processions.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the rally would not be just a political gathering but a public meeting reflecting the participation of people from all walks of life.

“Just as people of Chattogram gathered to see national leader Begum Khaleda Zia in the past, today we are seeing the same enthusiasm surrounding the arrival of Tarique Rahman,” he said.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor and former city BNP president Dr Shahadat Hossain said BNP’s relationship with Chattogram is historic, recalling that martyred President Ziaur Rahman had declared independence from the city.

“In that historical continuity, the future statesman Tarique Rahman is coming to Chattogram. People from all walks of life are eager to welcome him, and the Polo Ground will turn into a sea of people,” he said.

City BNP Convener Ershad Ullah said Tarique Rahman last visited Chattogram in 2005 during the City Corporation election campaign and has not returned since then. “After he became BNP chairman, it is our moral responsibility to welcome him warmly,” he said.

City BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman said they expect at least 10 lakh people to attend the rally, including a large number of ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have strengthened security measures in and around the Polo Ground. The party chairman’s personal security team is also working alongside law enforcers.

In a public notice signed by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz, carrying weapons, explosives, sticks, bricks, stones, unauthorised placards and flying drones has been prohibited in the rally area from January 24 to 25 to maintain public order and security. Legal action will be taken against violators, the notice said.

Earlier in the day, leaders of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP held a meeting with the CMP Commissioner regarding security arrangements for the rally. The police chief assured full cooperation, party leaders said.

BNP leaders and activists believe Tarique Rahman’s return will give fresh momentum to the party’s campaign ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections. From the rally, he is expected to outline party strategies, instruct leaders to work in unity and seek public support for BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

Besides, Tarique will join a ‘Youth Policy Talk’ at a hotel in the port city with around 300 university students at 9:30am on Sunday.

Law and order, corruption high on BNP agenda: Tarique

At the event, the BNP chief will outline his party’s policy proposals on education, employment, agriculture, health, women’s empowerment and the environment, among other issues, BNP leaders said.

Following the Chattogram programmes, he will address campaign rallies at Feni Pilot School ground, Chauddagram High School ground in Cumilla, Sonagazi Digbazi Field, Daudkandi Central Eidgah ground and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj.

Tarique launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet’s Alia Madrasah ground and spoke at seven rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj the same day.