A surge of excitement has gripped Thakurgaon ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit

BNP leaders, activists, and people from all walks of life in the northern district are eagerly awaiting the arrival of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to visit Thakurgaon next week for the first time in 23 years.

Excitement is running high among BNP supporters and local residents ahead of his visit. Although he has not been physically present in recent years, Tarique Rahman has remained actively involved in key BNP programmes in the district through virtual participation from London.

According to district BNP sources, Tarique Rahman’s visit is intended to pay tribute to Raihanul Hasan, Al Mamun, Sahan Parvez, and Rakibul Hasan, who were killed during the July–August 2024 uprising, and to attend a memorial meeting and prayer mahfil for BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Sources said he is expected to arrive in Thakurgaon on Monday night (January 12) and stay at the BURO Training Centre guest house. On Tuesday, at around 10:00am, he will visit the grave of Al Mamun, one of those killed in the uprising. Although there were plans to visit the graves of the other three victims, district BNP leaders said time constraints mean tributes will be paid only at Al Mamun’s grave.

At around 11:00am, the BNP Acting Chairman will join a memorial meeting and prayer mahfil for Begum Khaleda Zia at the Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School grounds, where he is also expected to address party leaders and activists. He will depart for neighbouring Panchagarh later the same day after completing the programme.

District BNP General Secretary Poygam Ali said Tarique Rahman would travel to Thakurgaon by road on January 12, making it difficult to confirm his exact arrival time. He noted that Tarique Rahman last visited the district in the winter of 2003 to take part in a blanket distribution programme.

“The return of Tarique Rahman after 23 years has brought immense joy not only to party leaders and activists but also to the general public,” Poygam Ali said. “We have held several preparatory meetings and informed the administration about security arrangements.”

He added that due to the election code of conduct, there would be no large public rally, but the party is prepared to successfully carry out the programme through a prayer mahfil in memory of national leader Begum Khaleda Zia.

Despite his long absence, Tarique Rahman has frequently participated in important district programmes virtually. Most recently, on September 7, 2025, he delivered a keynote address as chief guest at the BNP Thakurgaon district unit’s biannual conference.

Meanwhile, Thakurgaon Police Superintendent Belal Hossain said all necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure law and order during the visit, adding that police remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.