BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters to perform Tahajjud prayers before heading to polling centres on the morning of 12 February and remain present until votes are properly cast and counted.
Addressing an election rally virtually from the Hatiya Dwip Government College field in Noakhali’s Hatiya, he called on supporters to offer Fajr prayers at polling centres, stand in queues to cast their ballots and ensure the final outcome reflects the people’s will.
He said those who had deprived people of voting rights and freedom over the past 15 to 16 years have fled the country, but warned that a new group is now conspiring to obstruct the election, urging voters to remain alert and vigilant.
Outlining the BNP’s development vision, Tarique Rahman recalled that education was made free from Class I to Class XI during the tenure of Khaleda Zia, and said a future BNP government would ensure both education and employment opportunities.
He said the party plans to provide specialised training to make women self-reliant and introduce Family Cards to support household management.
The BNP chairperson said trained unemployed youths would be offered employment opportunities through bank loans, while Agri Cards would be introduced to support small, marginal and medium-scale farmers.
“The country belongs to all of us, and we must build it together,” he said.
Addressing local concerns, he pledged to take effective measures to prevent river erosion in Hatiya and construct sustainable embankments, urging voters to cast their ballots in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy to implement the party’s plans.
Around 20,000 people attended the rally, with supporters arriving in processions from different unions of Hatiya.
Among those present were BNP Central Organising Secretary Chattogram and Noakhali-6 candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, Noakhali District BNP Convenor Mahbub Alamgir Alo and other local leaders.
Despite the large turnout, the rally sparked criticism from students and parents after Hatiya Dwip Government College postponed pre-scheduled examinations to accommodate the political programme.
College authorities confirmed that the Class XI half-yearly examination and Class XII test examination, originally scheduled for Monday, were deferred to Tuesday due to the virtual rally, triggering resentment among students and their guardians.
