‘A party is scheming to capture ballots,’ Tarique tells Habiganj rally

In a nearly 30-minute speech, he urges vigilance against electoral manipulation

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned his party’s supporters that rival groups are attempting to “seize control of votes” ahead of the Feb 12 election.

Speaking at a rally in Habiganj’s proposed Upazila Parishad ground on Thursday evening, he underscored the election as a means to “advancing the country, establishing people’s rule, and building the nation”.

“Not only Fajr, but Tahajjud prayers must be offered before heading to the polling stations. Party activists must remain alert. A party is trying in multiple ways to capture votes.”

Pointing to the Jamaat-e-Islami without naming it directly, Tarique added: “Some say, ‘I have seen this one, I have seen that one’. We saw them 50 years ago.

“In the 1971 war, they opposed independence. Millions of our brothers were martyred, countless mothers and sisters dishonoured. The people of Bangladesh remember them.”

He pledged that a BNP government would govern on the principles of justice and fairness: “If the BNP comes to power, the country will be run on the [Prophet’s] ideals of justice.”

Tarique also criticised opposition tactics, alleging: “A party is collecting bKash numbers and National IDs door to door, distributing money. If they are dishonest before the election, how will they establish honest governance?”

He displayed two cards to the audience, promising: “If we come to power, Family Cards for tea plantation and rural women, and Agriculture Cards for farmers will be launched.”

Arriving on stage at 5:34pm, Tarique led supporters in Maghrib prayer before delivering a 28-minute address.

Earlier, the crowd had gathered in large numbers, waving party flags and slogans, donning caps marked with the party symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, and cheering the names of BNP leaders Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique himself.