Guard the ballot on 12 Feb to thwart vote rigging: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the country’s people to remain vigilant and stand guard at polling centres on the election day on 12 February to resist vote rigging like that of previous elections.

Addressing a large rally at the Circuit House ground in Mymensingh, he called for unity reminiscent of the 1971 Liberation War and the July-August 2024 mass uprising to secure a BNP victory and move the country forward.

“First, offer Tahajjut prayers on election day. Then, bring people of all religions to polling centres, offer Fajr prayers at nearby mosques and cast your votes. Stay there to ensure proper counting. We have been denied our voting rights for many years. This time, we must protect our votes,” Tarique Rahman said.

He introduced 23 candidates from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona and Sherpur districts, highlighting the party’s electoral symbol – Sheaf of Paddy. 

The BNP chairman stressed that Bangladesh can progress only through unity, regardless of religion or caste. “Only by staying united can we establish people’s rule, ensure accountability, and build the Bangladesh we envision,” he added.

He noted that people from all walks of life – irrespective of party affiliation and views, brought independence of the country through the War of Liberation in 1971 and defended the liberation on 5 August 2024 through a mass uprising.

“This time too, in the election on 12 February, we all have to be together, regardless of religion or caste. If we remain united, we will definitely be able to take this Bangladesh towards the Bangladesh we expect in the future,” he added.

Tarique Rahman briefly outlined what he wants to do if his party can form the government. These include family cards for women, farmer cards for farmers, health services for all, and measures to solve the unemployment problem.

He also pledged regional development for Mymensingh, such as improving fish fry exports, solving drug addiction, creating jobs, ensuring doorstep healthcare, and reviving dead canals.

The rally was chaired by Mymensingh South district unit BNP Convener and Mymensingh-5 constituency candidate Zakir Hossain Babul.

Tarique Rahman accused a political party of attacking BNP using the same rhetoric once employed by a fascist leader who fled the country.

“They claim BNP was the champion of corruption. But let me ask – between 2001 and 2006, two of their members were also part of the BNP government. Why did not they resign if BNP was so corrupt? They remained in office because those in government knew that Khaleda Zia acted firmly against corruption and did not tolerate it,” he said.

He added that international statistics show Bangladesh reduced corruption levels during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, while the country’s situation worsened under the fascist regime. “The party blaming BNP is, in fact, proving the corruption of its own leaders,” he said.

Avoiding harsh personal attacks on rival parties, the BNP chief emphasised that his party believes in politics based on work, not rhetoric.

“Election campaigns often feature criticism of opponents. But if I focus on attacking others, it will not benefit the people. Citizens vote for parties that have a clear plan to serve them. A political party must show how it will govern and what it will do for the people,” he said.

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Tarique Rahman further claimed that BNP alone has a concrete plan for running the country, citing its past experience in doubling food production, developing village roads, expanding education access to children, ensuring citizens’ safety, maintaining law and order and curbing corruption effectively. “We do not just talk – we have the experience and the strategy to deliver results for the people,” he added.

Calling 12 February a decisive day, he said the people will finally be able to exercise their voting rights after 16 years marked by enforced disappearances, killings, and political repression.

Tarique Rahman blamed unresolved regional problems on “night-time votes and dummy elections” that denied citizens a genuine mandate.

“If BNP is voted to power, we will introduce allowances for Imams, khatibs, and muazzins nationwide to improve their livelihoods. At the same time, we will provide necessary training so they can lead a better life,” he said.

The BNP chairman arrived in Mymensingh in the afternoon to conduct the third phase of his election campaign, following rallies in Sylhet and Chattogram. Thousands of party leaders and supporters from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona and Sherpur gathered at the Circuit House ground, where security personnel struggled to clear a path for his motorcade.

Before taking the stage, he met family members of those killed or injured in the July 2024 uprising and past democratic movements against Sheikh Hasina, shaking hands and expressing sympathy. His wife Zubaida Rahman accompanied him on stage, waving to the crowd and visibly moved by the reception.

After addressing the rally, Tarique Rahman moved to Gazipur’s Rajbari ground and Dhaka’s Azampur Eidgah field to address election rallies.

He began his campaign in Sylhet on 22 January, addressing seven rallies in a single day across Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj. On Sunday, he completed the second phase by holding six rallies in roughly 14 hours across Chattogram, Feni, Cumilla, and Narayanganj. 

On Monday, he also virtually addressed a rally in Hatiya, Noakhali, supporting BNP candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim (Noakhali-6).

Tarique Rahman’s next campaign phase will cover Barishal, Khulna, Rangpur, and Rajshahi regions.