BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that certain quarters are attempting conspiracies and called on everyone to remain alert.
He made the comments on Thursday while attending a public rally at Sylhet’s Alia Madrasa ground, which marked the formal launch of BNP’s election campaign.
He said, “They are conspiring from abroad, and their plots continue at home as well. But the July 2024 uprising proved that when the people of the country stand united, no conspiracy can succeed.”
Pointing to Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Allah is the owner of the Kaaba Sharif, Allah is the owner of this world, of the planets and stars, and of paradise. If they claim to issue tickets for something that belongs to Allah, it means they are deceiving the people even before the election.”
Highlighting Jamaat’s role during the 1971 Liberation War, he said, “You have seen this, you have seen that. Now look at this one. But the people of this country already saw them during the independence war.”
Referring to the Awami League’s regime, he said that looting had been carried out in the name of development.
Urging people to vote for the sheaf of paddy, he said, “If BNP comes to power, it aims to make the country’s women and youth self-reliant.”
He also said, “I want to say one thing. Inshallah, if BNP forms the government in the coming days, we will run the country on the basis of justice as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
He also called on the people to remain vigilant against conspiracies of vote rigging. He said that postal ballots sent to countries in the Middle East and elsewhere had already been tampered with.
“Those who fled this country, just as they once stole your votes, are now starting the same conspiracy again. You have seen it, haven’t you? You have seen how this conspiracy is unfolding. We must remain vigilant against it. They are sitting abroad and plotting against us,” he added.
Recalling sacrifices made during past movements, Tarique said, “The rights we achieved through the blood of Elias Ali, Didar Zunaid, and thousands of others, and through the sacrifice of 13 lives in Sylhet during the July 2024 uprising, are now under threat from a clique.
Their conspiracies have not stopped inside the country either. On 5 August 2024, the people of Bangladesh proved that when united, they can resist any conspiracy. ‘Will you resist? Inshallah,’ he said.”
Tarique’s speech also addressed repression of BNP leaders and activists during 16 years of authoritarian rule, the enforced disappearance of Sylhet leader Elias Ali, the fragile economy, looting, changes to the state structure, and BNP’s future plans including family cards, farmers’ cards, health cards, canal excavation, and employment for the unemployed.
BNP’s election campaign was formally launched through the rally, with Tarique attending the event as chief guest. He reached the venue around 12:30pm.
Crowds of party leaders and activists began gathering at the rally site from midnight to dawn. Supporters rushed from six parliamentary constituencies in Sylhet district and five constituencies in Sunamganj.
The venue turned into a sea of people waving party flags, carrying replicas of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, and banners featuring Tarique Rahman’s image. Chants of “Sheaf of Paddy” and “Tarique Rahman” echoed across the area.
Party sources said the gathering marks the formal nationwide launch of BNP’s election campaign. Tarique’s visit to Sylhet, his first in nearly two decades, has generated extraordinary enthusiasm among party members, with the city festooned in banners and slogans.
Security has been tightened across the city for the rally. Police, RAB and other law enforcement agencies have deployed multiple layers of security around the venue and adjoining areas.
Tarique arrived in Sylhet by air on Wednesday night and offered prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). After Thursday’s rally, he is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road, addressing roadside campaign gatherings in Moulvibazar, Habiganj and several other districts along the way.
However, in the morning, Tarique attended a youth policy talk at a Sylhet hotel, where students from various educational institutions asked about his plans for the future of Bangladesh.
He said that while the country’s population has grown significantly over the past 20 years, civic facilities have not increased proportionately.
He also said he had been compelled to live abroad for 17 years, and that he intends to use the experience gained during his time in the United Kingdom to bring major changes in Bangladesh. He outlined several plans for nation-building.
During the dialogue, participating students asked questions on health, education, employment, and fundamental reforms, to which Tarique Rahman responded.
