BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called upon the people to deliver a firm response to “autocracy” by voting for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol in the upcoming election on 12 February.
Addressing a massive election rally as the chief guest at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday, he stated that the rights of the Bangladeshi people had been snatched away over the last 16 to 17 years.
He emphasised that the public has protested against this injustice and must now remain vocal to reclaim those rights through the ballot, asserting that only a victory for the Sheaf of Paddy will provide the answer the autocrats deserve.
Vision for national unity
Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of communal harmony and a shared national identity, stating that the party wishes for people of all religions to live together in peace. He remarked that caste and creed are not the priority; rather, the primary fact is that everyone is a citizen and a person of Bangladesh.
He further asserted that the genuine problems of the country and its people can only be resolved by establishing an accountable government.
Reflecting on the movement against autocracy, he noted that many leaders, activists, and common citizens had sacrificed their lives to bring about its downfall, and he called for collective cooperation to build the nation.
Economic pledges and regional development
The BNP Chairperson outlined a series of development promises for Sirajganj, Pabna, and the rest of the country, including the establishment of new industrial parks to solve the unemployment crisis and the development of agro-based industries.
He also pledged to revive the weaving industry to create an international market for its products and vowed to set up vocational institutes in the region.
Additionally, he stated that if the party is voted to power, it will introduce ‘Family Cards’ and ‘Agriculture Cards’ to provide essential support to women and farmers.
Rally proceedings and northern campaign
Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue by road from Bogura at 3:30pm, with the rally proceedings starting at 3pm.
During the event, he introduced the candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna to the audience, including Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Amirul Islam Khan Alim, M Akbar Ali, MA Muhit, Ainul Haque, Selim Reza, Habibur Rahman Habib, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Hasan Jafir Tuhin, Selim Reza Habib, and VP Samsul Islam.
The rally was presided over by District President Rumana Mahmud and moderated by General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu.
Other speakers included BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Central Assistant Organising Secretary Obaidur Rahman Chandu, and Swechchhasebak Dal Organising Secretary Nazmul Hasan.
This rally marked the conclusion of Tarique Rahman’s two-day election campaign in the Northern region, following addresses in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, and Rangpur, with his next rally scheduled for Tangail.
