BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cast his ballot in the 13th parliamentary election on Thursday morning.
He voted at 9:45am at Gulshan Model High School and College polling centre, located on Road 86, Block 1/D in Gulshan-2. This marked the first time in 17 years that the BNP leader had exercised his voting rights.
After casting his vote, Tarique spoke to journalists and expressed optimism about his chances of victory.
He said that the people of Bangladesh had been waiting for this day for more than a decade. He expressed hope that citizens would spontaneously exercise their voting rights to mark the beginning of a new democratic Bangladesh.
Referring to some unwanted incidents reported across the country on Wednesday night, he said law enforcement agencies had brought those situations under strict control, which he found encouraging.
Urging voters and party activists to remain at the centres until the end, he said, “If people continue to come throughout the day and exercise their rights, then, Inshallah, any conspiracy can be thwarted.”
When asked about the election results, he responded firmly that he and his party were “100 percent confident of victory.”
He added that if his party formed the government, improving law and order would be given the highest priority. “Our main goal will be to ensure that ordinary people feel safe in the country,” he said.
The BNP chairman emphasised women’s participation and empowerment, saying, “Half of the country’s population is women. Development is not possible by leaving them behind. As per our election manifesto, proper recognition and empowerment of women will begin from day one.”
Asked about the voting environment and whether the election was being conducted fairly, the BNP chief said it would not be appropriate to comment immediately. “Perhaps after observing for a little longer, I will be able to say,” he remarked.
Tarique Rahman expressed his expectation of building a beautiful and stable future together with everyone.
He arrived at the centre before 9:30am, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and party leaders and activists.
Dhaka-17 constituency, widely regarded as a VIP seat in the capital, is Tarique’s own constituency. In this election, he is contesting both Dhaka-17 and his ancestral seat Bogura-6 under the “sheaf of paddy” symbol.
During his campaign, he called for a free, fair and participatory election, urging voters to come to the centres and cast their ballots.
