Dhaka, May 16 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken the stage at Laxmipur Bazar in Cumilla's Barura upazila,

The BNP chief was warmly welcomed as the crowd erupted in applause when he stepped onto the stage around 11:15am on Saturday.

From 9am, supporters begin gathering in small processions carrying banners and festoons.

By 10:30am, the field had swelled into a massive rally, with thousands in attendance.

From Barura, Tarique is due to head to Chandpur where his schedule opens at 12:30pm with the inauguration of the re-excavation of "Khordda Canal" at Uaruk Bazar in Shahrasti Upazila, followed at 1:45pm by the inauguration of "Bishwa Canal" re-excavation in Kumarduli village of Shah Mahmudpur Union in Sadar Upazila.

At 3pm, he ...