BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman concluded the second phase of his electioneering after addressing six rallies in nearly 14 consecutive hours, seeking votes for BNP and its alliance candidates.

According to BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, Rahman delivered his final speech of the phase at a rally at Balurmath in Narayanganj at around 2:15am on Sunday night. He returned to his Gulshan residence at about 3:10am on Monday.

Rahman began the day’s programme at 12:30pm on Sunday with a large rally at the Polo Ground in Chattogram. He then addressed successive gatherings at Feni Pilot School ground, Chauddagram School ground in Cumilla, Digbaji ground in Sonagazi, Daudkandi Eidgah ground, and finally Balurmath in Narayanganj.

At the rallies, he called on voters to extend their support to BNP and alliance candidates. He also outlined key aspects of the party’s plans for “rebuilding” the country if voted into power.

Ignoring the winter chill, thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters joined the rallies, with a notable presence of women among the attendees.

During the programmes, Rahman was seen coughing several times. At the Chauddagram rally, he said he had caught a cold and was feeling feverish, which made it difficult for him to speak loudly. He requested the audience to listen to his speech quietly and attentively.

Rahman arrived in Chattogram on Saturday night and stayed at a hotel there. On Sunday morning, he took part in a youth policy dialogue, engaging with students on various policy issues and responding to their questions.

Earlier, he launched the first phase of his election campaign on January 22 at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet. In that phase, he addressed seven rallies across Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj.

The BNP chairperson’s campaign activities are set to continue. On Monday at 4:00pm, he is scheduled to virtually address a rally in Hatiya, Noakhali, seeking votes for BNP candidate for the Noakhali-6 constituency, Mahbubur Rahman Shamim.