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Published : 23 Jan 2026, 10:18 PM
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has listened directly to voters’ problems and expectations after calling residents onto the stage at the first election rally in his Dhaka constituency, pledging to address their concerns if elected.
He attended the public meeting on Friday in Bhashantek of Dhaka-17 constituency on his second day of formal campaigning.
During informal interactions with locals, Tarique offered what he described as assurances of a “change in destiny”.
Addressing the rally at the BRB ground in Bhashantek on Friday evening, Tarique said: “If we consider all the work of the past, we will see that every time the people of this country have elected the Paddy Sheaf symbol, there has been development. The fortunes of the people have changed, there has been positive change.”
“That is why, as the Paddy Sheaf candidate, I am seeking your vote.”
Formal campaigning began on Thursday, when Tarique launched his election drive from Sylhet in keeping with party tradition.
He visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal and Shah Paran before setting out on the campaign trail, and later addressed election rallies in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Narayanganj.
On the second day of campaigning, Tarique invited several Bhashantek residents onto the stage and listened to their accounts of local problems.
Those who spoke raised a range of demands, including the rehabilitation of slum dwellers in Bhashantek, employment opportunities for women, and access to family cards.
Responding, Tarique said: “I have grown up in this area for the past 50 years, although I had to live abroad for a long time in between. Still, I am one of you.”
“Naturally, when I have become a candidate for this area, I can tell you this much: with your prayers and by Allah’s mercy, if I win the next election and if a Paddy Sheaf government is able to form, then the problems that have been raised here today on behalf of thousands of local residents, we will solve those problems.”
THE COUNTRY MUST BE REBUILT
Claiming that many sectors of the country have been damaged over the past 15-16 years, Tarique said: “As a result of this destruction, the country has fallen far behind. We must rebuild these sectors. To do that, democracy must be established.”
“Why must it be established? Because if you can democratically elect your representatives, only then will you be able to take your area’s problems to them.”
Tarique added that addressing local issues requires tackling broader national challenges.
“If we are to resolve the core problems of this area, we must also address the country’s problems: security, employment, education and healthcare. For this, in the days ahead, a democratically elected government chosen by ordinary people is essential.”
