Thousands gather to welcome PM in Khulna

KHULNA, Nov 5: Thousands of people lined major roads in Khulna on Thursday to welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to the city.

BNP leaders and activists, along with residents from different walks of life, began gathering along the roads in the morning, carrying party banners, festoons, balloons and national flags. Many waited for hours, hoping to see the Prime Minister and hear his speech.

Crowds gathered along the route from Kudir Bottola in Rupsha to Khulna District Stadium, including Rupsha Bypass Road, Sher-e-Bangla Road and the Power House, Dak Bungalow and Picture Palace intersections.

Shahidul Alam, a farmer from Samontosena area in Rupsha Upazila, said he had been waiting since morning to see a Prime Minister in person for the first time.

A human chain was also formed along both sides of the road from Tilak Kudir Bottola to Rupsha Bridge.
Abul Kalam, President of the Krishak Dal in Ward No. 1 of Paikgachha Upazila, said about 40 vehicles carrying party activists had left the area at 8 am and reached Khulna around 1 pm.

The visit disrupted normal activities in the city. Traffic was lighter than usual, while attendance at government offices and court premises declined.

Security was tightened around the district stadium from Wednesday. Police, the Special Response Battalion and intelligence agencies were deployed, while BNP volunteers helped maintain order.

Street vendors also took advantage of the crowds, selling food, water, flags and snacks. Haider, a vendor near the city corporation building, said he had been selling chicken biryani since 7 am. 

A packet with water cost Tk 80.
Residents hoped that the visit would bring renewed development initiatives, create jobs and help revive the region’s industrial sector.