TDS Desk:

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that construction of the Padma Barrage will begin if the party wins the 13th national election with its “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol.

He made the declaration around 2:30pm while addressing a campaign rally as the chief guest at the historic Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi.

Earlier, around 2pm, Tarique Rahman was welcomed to the stage with applause from leaders, activists, and supporters, to which he responded by waving. As part of the nationwide election campaign, the BNP chairman arrived at Rajshahi Airport by air at noon. He then visited the shrine of Shah Makhdum Rupos (R).

The rally at the historic Madrasa Ground was attended by a large number of BNP leaders and activists from Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore districts, along with affiliated organisations. At the gathering, he introduced the 13 BNP-nominated parliamentary candidates from these three districts to the public.

Crowds of leaders and supporters from various upazilas of Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj began arriving at the venue from the morning to mark the party chief’s visit.

The city was filled with slogans, while colorful banners, festoons, placards, and party flags were seen in the hands of activists. Preparations for the stage and sound system had already been completed, and a large number of volunteers were deployed to maintain discipline. Attendance was expected to increase further once the rally began.

Party activists said that important political messages would be delivered from this gathering. The administration also took necessary measures to maintain law and order around the rally.

After concluding the Rajshahi rally, the BNP chief was scheduled to travel by road to Bogura. On the way, he was set to address another campaign rally in the Etim Ground of Naogaon in the afternoon, which would also be attended by leaders from Joypurhat district.

Later in the evening, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to speak at a rally in his own constituency at the Alfatunnesa Playground in Bogura town. After staying overnight in Bogura, he will visit the grave of Abu Sayed in Pirganj, Rangpur, on Friday, followed by participation in a rally at Rangpur Eidgah Ground.

According to party sources, Tarique Rahman would also stay in Bogura on Friday night. On Saturday, he was expected to attend campaign rallies in Sirajganj and Tangail before returning to Dhaka at night.