BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the country’s future hinges on the February 12 national election, stressing that democracy must be upheld at any cost to ensure development that truly serves the people.
“The people will decide on the 12th whether the country moves toward democracy or in the opposite direction,” he said while addressing an election rally at the historic Madrasa ground in Rajshahi in the afternoon.
“Without democracy, mega projects cannot truly become people’s projects.”
The rally marked Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Rajshahi as BNP chairman and came as part of his nationwide election campaign and political tour.
Earlier in the day, he arrived at Hazrat Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi at around 12:18pm on a special flight from Dhaka.
From there, he visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (RA) before proceeding to the rally venue under tight security.
He reached the Madrasa ground at around 1:55pm, where he greeted party leaders and supporters by waving from the stage.
A festive atmosphere prevailed across Rajshahi ahead of his arrival, with banners, festoons and slogans visible throughout the city.
Leaders and activists from Rajshahi, Natore and Chapainawabganj districts gathered at the rally site in processions, carrying party flags and placards, and wearing BNP caps and T-shirts while chanting slogans in support of the party.
Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman outlined BNP’s development plans for the Rajshahi region if the party comes to power.
He pledged to build a barrage on the Padma River opposite India’s Farakka Barrage, saying it would benefit agriculture and employment in the region.
“If the Padma barrage is built, everyone will benefit. Cold storage facilities will be established and employment opportunities created for Rajshahi’s mango growers,” he said.
Referring to the Barendra Multipurpose Development Project, Tarique said it was initiated during the tenure of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and expanded under former prime minister Khaleda Zia, but had since stalled.
“If we come to power, we want to revive the Barendra project, excavate canals and restore the Padma,” he said.
The BNP chairman also pledged to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, including interest, if elected.
Stressing his party’s commitment to peaceful politics, Tarique said BNP does not believe in conflict or political vendettas.
“BNP believes in peace. That is why I am not here to criticize anyone. Criticism will not fill anyone’s stomach,” he said.
He urged the authorities to ensure proper investigations and legal action if any untoward incidents occur during the election period, and warned against attempts to sabotage the polls.
Referring to previous elections, Tarique alleged that the country had experienced “night-time elections” and “voterless elections” over the past 16 years, which, he said, deprived people of their voting rights.
“Those who took away the right to vote are gone. Now the people must vote,” he said, alleging that new conspiracies were underway to obstruct the upcoming election.
Calling on voters in the northern region, he urged them to elect BNP candidates with the party’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol in every constituency.
Following the Rajshahi rally, Tarique Rahman travelled by road to Naogaon, where leaders and activists welcomed him at the ATM field in the afternoon.
After greeting supporters and addressing party leaders there, he departed for Bogra.
As of 9pm, he was scheduled to attend two meetings in separate upazilas of Bogra before heading to Bogra city, where he was set to stay overnight at a hotel.
He is scheduled to continue his campaign in Rangpur on Friday.
Tarique Rahman last visited Rajshahi in 2004.
