BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman reached the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar around 10pm on Friday, accompanied by party leaders, activists and a motorcade.

After arriving in front of the memorial, he entered the premises along with senior party leaders.

Since noon on Friday, a large number of leaders and activists of the BNP, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and other associate bodies had gathered in and around Savar and the National Martyrs’ Memorial centring on Tarique Rahman’s visit. They remained peacefully stationed along the highway throughout the day, waiting to catch a glimpse of their leader.

From after Jummah prayers, BNP leaders and activists took positions at various bus stops and key points along the Dhaka–Aricha highway, including Gabtoli, Aminbazar, Baliarpur, Hemayetpur, Fulbaria, Bank Town, Genda, Savar Bazar, Radio Colony, Bish Mile and the Jahangirnagar University area. A visible presence was also observed in areas adjacent to the National Martyrs’ Memorial.

In particular, thousands of Chhatra Dal activists stood in an orderly manner around the memorial. Holding national flags, they lined the roadside in anticipation of seeing Tarique Rahman. Despite the long wait, their conduct remained restrained and disciplined.

The large gathering along the highway from noon caused disruption to vehicular movement. Traffic congestion of varying intensity was reported for nearly eight hours on different routes entering the capital, including Dhamrai, Kaliakair, Mirzapur and Tongi. The BNP later expressed sincere regret over the inconvenience caused.

At around 10:15pm, Tarique Rahman entered the National Martyrs’ Memorial complex. A large number of party leaders and activists welcomed him at the main gate. He then proceeded to the main altar with senior leaders and stood there silently for some time.

Alongside party activists, the presence of local residents from Savar and neighbouring areas was also noticeable. Many came with family members, expressing eagerness to see Tarique Rahman.

Meanwhile, the BNP said that as it was not possible for Tarique Rahman to arrive before sunset in accordance with the rules of paying tribute at the memorial, party leaders paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War on his behalf.

Local leaders said the spontaneous and peaceful presence of party leaders and activists surrounding Tarique Rahman’s visit has sparked fresh discussion in the political arena of Savar and nearby areas.