BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet on Wednesday night.

The BNP chairman arrived at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) at around 8:45pm. 

Later, at about 9:05pm, he offered two rakats of Nafl prayers beside the shrine, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

At around 9:30pm, he visited the grave of late General (retd) MAG Osmani, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Army, where he offered Fateha and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Islami Oikya Jote Chairman MA Rakib led the munajat.

Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, also visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and offered munajat at the designated women’s prayer area.

After visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), the BNP chairman left it by road for the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) at Khadim Nagar, about eight kilometres from Sylhet city. 

Later, he went to his in-laws’ residence.

Earlier, the BNP chairman, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Sylhet by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 7:20pm and reached Osmani International Airport, Sylhet, at around 8:04pm to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election, with plans to address seven rallies on Thursday.

Sayrul said Tarique will begin his election campaign from Sylhet, widely known as the land of saints, and address seven public rallies across six districts.

During the rallies, he said, the BNP chairman is expected to outline his party’s election pledges, political priorities and plans to restore democracy, ensure good governance and address people’s day-to-day problems.

Meanwhile, party leaders and activists have completed all preparations to ensure the smooth holding of the rallies and electioneering programmes.