Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a public rally in Jashore today, marking the first time that the premier will attend a rally outside the capital since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.

It will also end a gap of five years since Hasina, also the president of the ruling Awami League, last addressed a rally in the district.

The rally is set to start at Jashore district stadium at 3:00pm. A public meeting stage was prepared there in the shape of a boat. Ahead of the rally, Jashore has now turned into a festive town while people of all walks of life, including leaders and activists of the ruling party, have turned up with a lot of enthusiasm, our local correspondent reports.

The AL leaders said the arrival of Hasina has created excitement among the leaders and activists not only in Jashore but also in the entire southern region.

Shahidul Islam Milon, president of Jashore district Awami League, said people of the region are eagerly waiting to hear the PM speak.

Party leaders said tens of thousands of leaders and activists would join the rally, and to make it happen, all preparations have already completed.

Colourful arches and gates have been erected on various roads of the town with posters and banners of the prime minister. Leaders have hung banners, balloons, festoons and posters welcoming the prime minister and the party chief in various areas including Daratana Mor, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Road, Garibshah Road and other areas.

Jashore Sadar Traffic Inspector Subhendu Kumar Munshi said 12 specific routes have been allowed for the rally participants to reach the venue. No vehicles will enter the town on the day of the rally, UNB reports.

Around 20 parking areas have been selected, he added.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had addressed a public meeting on December 26, 1972 at the Jashore district stadium. His elder daughter Sheikh Hasina will address the public meeting in the same field 50 years later.

Five years ago, Sheikh Hasina addressed the election rally at Jessore Eidgah ground on December 31, 2017.