Patuakhali, July 2 -- awaited tri-annual conference of the BNP's Patuakhali district unit began on Wednesday, marking the first such district council in Barishal division where leaders will be elected through direct voting.

After 23 years, the conference venue, Gymnasium ground in the town, turned into a festive gathering since morning as leaders and activists from across the district thronged the area.

The formal inauguration of the conference began with the hoisting of the national and party flags by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Awal Mintoo.

Later in the day, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman virtually joined the event and delivered the chief guest's speech.

Tarique inaugurates BNP's 36-day programme marking July Uprising ...