Dhaka, Feb. 2 -- BNP chief Tarique Rahman has taken the stage at an election rally in Khulna, marking his first visit to the city in 22 years.

He arrived at the Prabhati School field in the Khalishpur area around 12:30pm on Monday.

Supporters welcomed him with rousing applause as he took to the stage. Tarique waved to the crowd, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman.

Candidates contesting 14 parliamentary seats in Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat under the BNP's "sheaf of paddy" symbol were present on the stage.

From around 9:30am, party supporters began gathering at the venue in small processions, carrying placards of candidates and the party's election symbol.

The programme formally began at 11am with recitations from the Quran and ...