BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid homage to the martyrs of 1971 Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Friday night.

Rahman left Zia Udyan at 5:04pm for Savar and reached the memorial around 10:00pm after a journey of nearly five hours, slowed by massive crowds along the route.

Upon arrival, he offered floral tributes and stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the fallen heroes before departing for Dhaka later that night.

Earlier in the day, Rahman paid homage to his father, BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. His motorcade set out from his Gulshan residence at 2:52pm and reached at the mausoleum at 4:36pm, where he paid floral tributes and joined prayers. He was seen visibly emotional during the observance.

After completing the visit, he departed for the National Martyrs’ Memorial at 5:04pm.

Security was tightened in and around the Savar memorial ahead of his arrival, as large numbers of party leaders and activists gathered outside the complex to welcome him.

According to party sources, Rahman is scheduled on Saturday to register his name on the voter list as part of preparations to contest the election. After completing national identity card formalities, he will visit the University of Dhaka campus to pay respects at the grave of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shaheed Osman Hadi.

He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation in Shyamoli to visit those injured during the July uprising.