CUMILLA, May 16: Thousands of people lined both sides of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway at Elliotganj in Muradnagar Upazila on Saturday, as BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman travelled to Chandpur for a series of official and political engagements.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, a six-time MP from Muradnagar, led the reception on behalf of local leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies.
The Prime Minister was en route to Chandpur to inaugurate canal re-excavation works, distribute family cards, review ongoing development projects, and attend a public rally organised by the Chandpur BNP unit.
From early morning, supporters gathered along the highway carrying banners, festoons and floral wreaths to welcome the visiting leader.
The festive atmosphere stretched for several kilometres, with people from different walks of life joining the reception.
Religious leaders, including imams and muezzins, expressed gratitude for government support, particularly the payment of salary bonuses and allowances.
Freedom fighters present at the gathering also welcomed the Prime Minister, praising what they described as expanded welfare initiatives for their community.
Members of the Hindu community also participated in the reception programme, thanking the government for ensuring communal harmony and extending financial support for temple priests and religious workers.
Local BNP leaders said the gathering reflected strong public enthusiasm surrounding the visit and ongoing development activities in the region.
Witnessing the reception, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman briefly stopped his convoy at Elliotganj.
He stepped out of his vehicle, exchanged greetings with Minister Kaikobad and local party leaders, and shook hands with them amid cheers from the crowd.
The brief interaction created a celebratory atmosphere along the highway, with supporters chanting slogans and waving party flags.
Security personnel were deployed in and around the area to manage the large crowd and ensure smooth passage of the convoy.
