Defying all challenges, BNP is ready to hold its fifth divisional rally in Barishal city on Saturday.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies from different districts under the Barishal division have already reached the city, in advance, to join the rally.

The party men have erected a 50ft long stage at the Bangabandhu Udyan where the rally is scheduled to begin at 2pm, reports UNB.

Besides, 120 loudspeakers were also installed in and around the podium, said Khandakar Abul Hossain Limon, joint convener of the committee to prepare the stage for the Barishal BNP divisional rally.

Bus, launch, speedboat, three-wheeler movements in Barishal division have come to a halt over the last couple of days, ahead of the BNP rally.

Sudden suspension of public vehicle movement of roads and waterways have caused immense public suffering.

The official reason behind the suspension of bus, three-wheeler, launch and speedboat movement could not be known yet.

As part of its move to continue the pace of its ongoing movement, BNP on September 27 announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities.

The organisers said the rally is meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuel, the death of five party men in previous police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, and Jashore, and to ensure the freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

BNP has long been demanding that the next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government - a demand sharply rejected by the ruling Awami League.

Saturday's rally will be the fifth by the BNP at the divisional level. The first one was held in Chattogram, the second one in Mymensingh and the third and fourth in Khulna and Rangpur, respectively.