Dhaka, Jan. 30 -- Rangpur is preparing to welcome BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as he returns to the city after about two decades ahead of the Feb 12 elections.

Tarique is scheduled to arrive in Rangpur on Friday and address a public rally at the Collectorate Eidgah Field in the evening as part of his election campaign.

Grassroots BNP leaders say excitement has spread across northern Bangladesh, with supporters expected to gather in large numbers for the meeting.

On Friday morning, a visit to the rally venue showed preparations in full swing.

A stage has already been set up, while microphones and sound systems have been installed across the field and several kilometres beyond, organisers said.

Members of the district BNP and the rally ...