A record crowd gathered in Dhaka’s 300 Feet area to welcome BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, defying the season’s coldest spell. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the turnout as clear evidence of the nation’s readiness for the upcoming general election and referendum. In a verified Facebook post on December 26, he confirmed that both events would proceed on schedule, just seven weeks away. Alam stated that the recent developments had dispelled any remaining doubts about the February 12 election date. He added that nomination submissions for parliamentary seats would begin within days, followed by campaign activities across the country. Printing presses and television debates were expected to intensify as the election approached. Political analysts cited in the report said the massive turnout and the government’s high-level remarks reflected growing political engagement and tension ahead of the polls. Alam concluded that only a truly credible election could heal the deepening national divisions.