BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday described the upcoming February 12 national election as a pivotal opportunity to rebuild the nation, restructure the state, and establish people’s rule.
Speaking at a rally at the upazila ground in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, Tarique said if BNP comes to power, it will work to eradicate all forms of organized corruption.
“We want to eradicate corruption from the country. We want to rein in all kinds of corruption. The people must come forward to save the country from the monstrous grip of corruption. The country is not the property of any individual; the people are the sole owners of the country,” he said.
The BNP chief criticized the lack of development in the area, attributing it to the long absence of meaningful voting opportunities. Pointing to four candidates on stage, he asked the crowd if they knew them. As the audience raised their hands, he said, “The people will send these candidates to parliament by voting for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.”
“Those who became Members of Parliament through farcical elections over the past 15 years did not undertake any development work in the area. The condition of the current highway shows what the state of internal roads is like. Schools, colleges, and hospitals are in a dilapidated state, and people are not receiving services,” he said.
“There is a need for representatives whom people can approach with their problems, who will take initiative to repair roads if they are damaged, arrange for teachers if schools lack them, and arrange for doctors if hospitals are without them,” he added.
Regarding the election, Tarique Rahman urged voters to prepare spiritually. “On voting day, people should not just offer Fajr prayers but also prepare by offering Tahajjud prayers. If necessary, you should perform Fajr prayers in congregation in front of the polling center and start voting from 7 am,” he said.
He warned of corruption and election manipulation, saying, “All institutions of the country have been destroyed, and public money has been looted through corruption and smuggled abroad. To stop this corruption, the people must be vigilant and aware.”
Pointing to the injured and oppressed beside the stage, he said, “It is due to the sacrifice of those who shed blood and gave their lives in the July Uprising that the people have got the opportunity to vote today. This opportunity cannot be wasted.”
He also promised development initiatives under a BNP government, saying:
- “Employment opportunities will be arranged for unemployed youth.”
- “Family Card will be delivered to the mothers of every family so they can receive various benefits from the government.”
- “Vocational and training institutes will be established across the country to transform the youth into a skilled workforce.”
- “Initiatives will be taken for dignified arrangements for Imams, Khatibs, and Muazzins of mosques and madrasas.”
- “Farmer Cards will be given to farmers so that they can receive benefits for fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, insurance, and agricultural loans on easy terms.”
He warned against vote rigging and irregularities, saying, “Conspiracies have already begun. News has come in newspapers and social media that a political party is trying to seize postal ballots. Just as vote rigging happened before, vote engineering has started again now. Therefore, the people must remain vigilant and cautious.”
Without naming any party, he said, “In 1971, this party opposed the country’s independence, and due to their role, millions of people were martyred, and the honor of mothers and sisters was violated. It is also being heard that people from this party are going door-to-door collecting National ID numbers and mobile numbers, especially from mothers and sisters, collecting bKash numbers, and sending money. Those who engage in dishonest practices even before the election can never establish honest governance.”
Highlighting BNP’s record, he said, “According to international organization reports, corruption started decreasing in the country during Khaleda Zia's tenure after 2001. Those who are now trying to buy votes can never provide honest governance. During BNP's tenure, schools, colleges, roads, and factories were built, and many people got employment opportunities abroad. Many people flee to other countries in times of crisis, but Khaleda Zia never left the country. She stayed and fought here. This is why BNP says, ‘First Bangladesh, my last Bangladesh.’”
Tarique Rahman launched his election campaign at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground at 1 p.m., then traveled to Sherpur in Moulvibazar and Shayestaganj, with a rally in Sarail of Brahmanbaria scheduled later in the day.