BNP’s Tarique Rahman sought votes for the ‘reconstruction of Bangladesh’ at a rally in Thakurgaon.
Thakurgaon [Bangladesh], February 8 (ANI): BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday appealed to voters to support the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, saying the upcoming election would be crucial for rebuilding Bangladesh. The Dhaka Tribune reported this.
Addressing an election rally at the Thakurgaon Government High School grounds, Rahman said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aims to rebuild the country with the “support, love, and strength” of the people.
“We want to rebuild Bangladesh with the people’s support. We dream of a country where no one is deprived of even basic healthcare,” Rahman said, appealing to voters to support the BNP in the upcoming elections.
He said such a dream can only be realized through the participation of the people. “If you want such a Bangladesh, then I ask for your support and your vote in favor of the sheaf of paddy,” he told the crowd.
Earlier in the day, at around 10:05 am, Rahman departed from Dhaka for Saidpur on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and then traveled to Thakurgaon by helicopter. According to the Dhaka Tribune, he arrived at the rally venue at around 11:30 am, where thousands of party leaders and activists greeted him with slogans and applause. This was Rahman’s first visit to Thakurgaon since December 2003, when he last visited the district to distribute winter clothing.
The rally began with recitations from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from the Holy Gita and the Bible. It was presided over by Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin and conducted by General Secretary Paigam Ali.
Referring to demands for local development, Rahman said that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had informed him that significant progress had been made on the work at Thakurgaon Airport. He said, “Inshallah, if the BNP forms the government after the elections on the 12th, we will take steps to make the airport operational as soon as possible.”
Rahman also promised that a BNP-led government would establish sugar mills, food processing factories, and tea industries in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh to create employment. He also pledged to establish a cadet college in Thakurgaon, set up cold storage facilities for agricultural products, and establish an IT park.
Describing the upcoming election as more than just a contest for government positions, Rahman said it is an opportunity to rebuild the country. He alleged that for more than a decade, people have been deprived of political rights, freedom of expression, and economic opportunities under a “dictatorial government.”
He outlined several welfare proposals, including family cards for women, agriculture cards for farmers, waiving agricultural loans up to Tk10,000, and government-backed repayment of microloans taken from private institutions. He also emphasized plans for agricultural development in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh.
Emphasizing people’s participation, Rahman said that the reconstruction of Bangladesh would only be possible if the people are actively involved.
According to the Dhaka Tribune report, he said, “The people are the owners of this country. Without their support, none of these plans can be implemented,” and urged voters to support the BNP to realize their vision for Bangladesh.
The rally took place ahead of the much-anticipated national elections and constitutional referendum scheduled for February 12.
This election marks a significant moment in the country’s history, with the Awami League barred from participating and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat, leading a coalition with the National Citizens Party (NCP), gaining popularity alongside other parties.
The electoral landscape has also shifted considerably, making the outcome difficult to predict. The elections on February 12 are taking place nearly two years after the July 2024 uprising, which led to the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
