A party is plotting to make election controversial, disruptive: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday accused a rival party of plotting to disrupt the upcoming national election and undermine women’s rights if elected, without naming the party.

Speaking at an election rally at Jashore Uposhahar College ground, Tarique alleged that the rival party wants to confine half of the country’s population – women – inside their homes.

“A political party is trying to make the elections controversial and disruptive. You must be very careful and vigilant,” he said.

Tarique navigated through a massive crowd to reach the stage, as security personnel worked to manage the enthusiastic supporters from all walks of life who had gathered to hear him speak.

He criticised a top leader of the rival party for allegedly making derogatory remarks about working women. 

“When the people of the country have started a movement, they claim their accounts were hacked. That political party is lying,” Tarique said.

“Those who lie to the people are taking bKash numbers. This is their character. Because of their actions, millions of mothers and sisters lost their dignity in 1971. We must stop their conspiracy by taking the people along,” he added.

Tarique also highlighted Jashore’s economic potential. “There is an industry in Jashore – flower farming. Just as we export garments, we want to export flowers abroad,” he said.

During the rally, he introduced 22 BNP candidates from seven districts across Jashore and Kushtia. Jashore District BNP President Syed Saberul Haque presided over the event, while District BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon served as moderator.

Earlier in the day, Tarique addressed a rally at Khalishpur Prabhati School ground in Khulna, warning people to remain vigilant against conspiracies targeting the election.

“A section is trying to suggest that vote counting will be delayed this time. The conspiracy has begun again. Those who lie from dawn to dusk and belittle the women of our country are trying different tricks. But people have caught on to their tactics,” he said.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding political rights, noting that many have endured disappearances, murders, and torture over the past decade. 

“You have to remain vigilant so that no one can take away rights that you have long been denied. Stay alert, irrespective of party, religion, or caste,” he urged.

Tarique accused the rival party of consistently lying and using religion to protect their interests rather than serving the nation. 

“We saw examples of how they cannot respect women as far back as 1971. A country can never be safe in the hands of those who do not respect women,” he said.

He highlighted a recent statement from a rival party leader rejecting women’s leadership and making disrespectful comments about women who work outside their homes. “Before the election, one party wants to confine half of the country’s population inside their homes and speaks to them with disrespect. Imagine how terrible their behavior could be after the election,” Tarique said.

Emphasizing the importance of women in nation-building, he added, “When Khaleda Zia was in power, she was committed to protecting women. The wife of our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), Bibi Khadija, was a working woman. Yet today, some leaders insult women while claiming to establish Islam in the country.”

Tarique called on women voters to respond through the ballot: “Those who insult you must be answered. The time has come for you to decide how to respond.”

Turning to Khulna, Tarique said that if BNP comes to power, they will revive the city as an industrial hub for both men and women. 

Plans include an IT park for young professionals and farmers’ support through Krishak cards and loan waivers up to Tk10,000, including interest.

“We have experience in running the state. If we form the government, our first responsibility will be to rebuild the country by uniting people of all parties, opinions, classes, and professions,” he said, introducing candidates from 14 constituencies across Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Khulna by helicopter at 11:59am on Monday, landing at Abu Naser Stadium before moving to Khalishpur Prabhati School ground with a motorcade.

His return to Khulna after 22 years generated widespread excitement among locals and party activists, who chanted slogans and carried the party’s election symbol, the “Paddy Sheaf.” Tarique last visited Khulna in 2004 for a divisional organizational rally.