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Tarique urges Fajr prayers outside polling stations

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has called on party activists in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail to gather outside polling stations at Fajr on election day, citing fears of a plot to “manipulate the vote”.

Addressing a district BNP rally, he said the Feb 12 election would allow people to reclaim rights that had been taken away for 15 years, including the right to vote and to speak freely. He said Bangladeshis had first won those rights in 1971 and defended them again on Aug 5.

Tarique then asked the crowd when they would go to vote. When they replied “in the morning”, he told them that was not enough, urging them instead to go before dawn and offer Fajr prayers in front of their local polling centres.

He warned that a conspiracy was again under way to hijack the election.

“Once again, there are plots around the vote. Reports have appeared in newspapers and across social media -- haven’t you seen them?”

Govt corrupting people’s faith: Selim

Former Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) president Mujahidul Islam Selim has accused the interim government of “corrupting the faith of the people” by luring them into a web of lies. 

Speaking at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Thursday during the launch of the Democratic United Front’s campaign, Selim criticised the parliamentary polls and the simultaneous referendum.

“The election will have two votes: one for MPs, and another for a referendum,” he said. 

“It should be a neutral vote. But if the government tells people to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy or the Weighing Scale symbol, or any specific party, can it still claim neutrality? Then why did people sacrifice so much blood for this nation?”

Selim labelled the referendum “unnecessary and deceitful”, urging citizens to reject it and instead let their duly elected representatives determine the nation’s future in parliament. 

“The government is setting a trap of falsehood for everyone, undermining their faith,” he said, calling on voters to focus on parliamentary representation rather than manipulated plebiscites.

The CPB leader also criticised the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by student leaders at the forefront of the July Uprising. 

“In 2024 we dreamed of reforms after independence; we wrote ‘religion for all, state for all’ on our walls. 

“Now, the NCP claims to coordinate but has allied with Jamaat. Is this progress forward or backward?” he asked, warning that such alliances risk derailing the aspirations of Bangladesh’s youth.

No cards from Jamaat: Shafiqur

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has dismissed promises of welfare cards by the BNP.

He said, “We are not promising any such cards. Can Tk 2,000 solve a family’s problems?”

He added that even if such cards were issued, the funds would be divided unfairly. 

“As my brother [NCP Convenor] Nahid Islam said, it will be split: ‘My share first, then yours; Tk 1,000 of Tk 2,000 goes to me first, then you manage the rest’,” he told supporters at his first election rally in Mirpur-10 on Thursday.

Shafiqur’s remarks were a clear reference to BNP chief Tarique Rahman’s pledge to provide Family Cards to underprivileged households in Dhaka. 

Speaking as Jamaat’s candidate for Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul), Shafiqur highlighted the area’s chronic neglect: “Over a million people live here, yet there is not a single government hospital, nor even a high-quality private hospital. 

“No undergraduate college, no university. Every alley is filled with the stench of drains, and gas shortages are a daily reality.”

He promised that if Jamaat-e-Islami wins the seat, the party would address these basic civic issues and ensure the residents’ rights.

Shafiqur also issued a stern warning to any new political forces attempting to revive “fascist” agendas: “Anyone who comes in a new ‘fascist’ guise will meet the same fate as on Aug 5.

Tarique warns of attempts to ‘seize votes’

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.”

Only BNP does not run away: Tarique

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has said only the BNP stands by the people when things get tough.

“What have we seen in the past? Whenever something happens, some people flee to a neighbouring country, don’t they?” he said.

“Just yesterday, we saw that one person had run away. Do you know where he went? He fled to ‘Pindi’ [Rawalpindi],” he added.

“I was talking about those conspiring, taking bKash numbers, taking NID numbers, misleading mothers and sisters with various lies — one of them fled to Pindi. Some go to Delhi, some go to Pindi. But the BNP has remained in this country, standing by the people of this country.”

He made the remarks on Thursday evening while speaking at the proposed Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj, Habiganj.

“Has Khaleda Zia ever gone anywhere? Khaleda Zia has never left the people of this country. She has accepted death, fought, and protested, but she has never left the people, never gone to any other country.

“Khaleda Zia herself has said that this country is her first and last home,” he said, reiterating that Bangladesh is the first and last address of the BNP.

People want Islamic law: Fayzul Karim

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Fayzul Karim has sought votes on the “Hand Fan” symbol to build a Shariah-based country.

He made the comment while speaking to journalists in front of the Barishal Press Club before launching his election campaign on Thursday.

“People want Islamic law. They want to build a Shariah-based country. If we can establish the country based on the Quran and Sunnah, equality, human dignity, and social justice will be ensured,” he said.

He is running for parliament from the Barishal-5 constituency.

“Over the past 54 years, equality, human dignity, and social justice have not been established,” he said.

“We believe people of all religions and backgrounds will live peacefully; equality will be ensured. The victory of the Hand Fan symbol will ensure eradication of criminal activities and extortion,” he said.

Promising to legislate based on the Quran and Sunnah if his party forms the government, he added: “We will uproot injustice, wrongdoing, and corruption.”

Fayzul said, “Over the past 54 years, different parties have been elected; everyone has seen the state of the country.”

Urging the public to give Islami Andolan a chance to form the government, he said: “Help rebuild the country. Support us to establish Islamic governance.”

‘Slum dwellers want safety, not flats’

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam has criticised BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s promise of family cards for urban poor, arguing that slum residents seek safety and dignity, not flats.

Speaking at a Jamaat-e-Islami election rally in Mirpur-10 on Thursday, Nahid said it is possible to be safe even while living in a slum. 

“In the past, those who promised flats have attempted evictions after elections. People now understand these false assurances. They will vote for justice, not for flats.”

‘Will Tk 2,000 cards cost a Tk 1,000 bribe?’

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has raised doubts over the promised “family cards” if the BNP forms the government, questioning whether benefits would actually reach ordinary citizens.

On Thursday he questioned whether these benefits will reach the people.

“We are hearing about different cards -- family cards, farmer cards. We want these benefits to reach the people,” he said at a Jamaat election rally in Mirpur, Dhaka. 

“But will they really reach them? To get a Tk 2,000 card, will a Tk 1,000 bribe be needed? If we cannot eliminate bribery and extortion, will these benefits ever reach the people?”

Nahid also criticised the government’s approach, accusing it of trying to bring defaulters into parliament while pressuring the Election Commission and courts. 

“This is hypocrisy. If the intent is truly to help the people, no defaulter should get a nomination. Those who have not repaid loans -- do you think they will repay? They will take loans again, loot money again, and transfer funds abroad,” he said.

He warned that Bangladesh should not return to such corruption. 

“We did not fight for a Bangladesh ruled by looters. We will not allow new looters to come to power, and the people will not allow it,” he added.

Nahid addressed housing promises for slum dwellers, saying flats alone are not the solution. 

“Slum dwellers do not want flats -- they want secure lives and dignified employment. Those who promised flats so far have planned evictions and even set fires in slums. 

“They said, ‘We will give you flats, but you will be removed from your homes.’ May Allah forbid such plans,” he said.

Nahid also emphasised the power of the people. 

“Allah is the owner of Paradise, but the people are the owners of the vote. Citizens understand, and will soon see clearly, who is deceiving them before elections and who stands against reform.”

‘We will not take extortion, nor allow it’

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said no one will be allowed to run extortion rackets in the country, vowing to end what he called illegal “tax collection” in the name of politics.

Referring to the BNP’s promise of a family card if it forms the government, he said Jamaat was making no such pledge. 

“Can Tk 2,000 solve anything for a family?” he asked, adding that others would then take a cut first -- “rent before anything else” -- before the money ever reached the people who needed it.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon at a rally at Adarsha School ground in Mirpur-10, where Jamaat formally launched its campaign, Shafiqur said he was also the party’s candidate for the seat.

He said the money used by the state comes from the people’s taxes, but beyond official taxes there is also what he called an unofficial private tax. 

“Every grocery shop, every street vendor, even those begging by the roadside are forced to pay it,” he said, adding that Jamaat would not only return that money to the people but would abolish such extortion altogether.

Describing how the system works, he said people are stopped and told to pay under a so-called “political lease”. 

“If you ask which party, they name one. Sometimes they even say, ‘Just give the money, why do you need to know the name?’” he told the crowd.

“We have declared that we will not take extortion and we will not let anyone take it,” Shafiqur Rahman said. “We will not engage in corruption, and we will not allow corruption either.”

He said Jamaat wanted to build a Bangladesh based on justice for all -- regardless of religion, party or background -- a country for children, youth, workers, farmers and professionals of every faith and community.

Tarique heads for Habiganj

Tarique Rahman has set off for Habiganj after addressing large election rallies in Sylhet and Moulvibazar on the first day of his campaign tour.

After 4pm on Thursday, the vehicle carrying him left for the proposed Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, where he is scheduled to speak at an election rally.

Earlier in the day, Tarique addressed a public meeting at Ainpur playground in Moulvibazar Sadar. He had launched his formal election campaign at noon from the government Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.

To begin the official campaign, Tarique travelled from Dhaka to Sylhet on Wednesday night with his wife Zubaida Rahman. After arriving, he visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal and Hazrat Shah Paran later that night.

He also paid respects at the grave of Liberation War Commander-in-Chief MAG Osmani at Shahjalal’s shrine complex before attending a family dinner at his in-laws’ home in Birahimpur, Dakshin Surma, where he urged voters to support the BNP’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

The BNP noted that both party founder Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Khaleda Zia traditionally began every election campaign in Sylhet, starting with shrine visits followed by their first public rally.

‘Vote for Sheaf of Paddy to change people’s fortune'

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has solicited votes for the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol, pledging to change people’s fortunes.

He made the remark on Thursday afternoon at an election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur.

“If the country is to be saved, then in the election scheduled for the 12th of next month -- an election for which many people have shed their blood and many have fallen victim to enforced disappearances.

“If we want to enshrine democracy in the country through that election and at the same time change people’s lives, then (on which symbol) should you place your seal? We must stamp the Sheaf of Paddy!”

Calling on people to work together to rebuild the country, Tarique reiterated the BNP’s commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

“We must restore the democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak. Who can give that guarantee? Which party?” he asked. “Only the Sheaf of Paddy can provide that guarantee.” 

Pointing to elders present at the rally, he said they were witnesses that whenever the BNP was in charge of running the country, elections -- be it municipal or Union Parishad -- were held more or less properly.

“When the Sheaf of Paddy [BNP] was in power, everyone could speak freely, criticise the government openly. If there were mistakes, people could point them out. No one fell victim to enforced disappearances or killings,” he said.

Tarique also outlined his plans for the country’s development in his speech.

Tarique unveils his ‘plan’

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, has detailed his strategic vision for national development during a public rally at the Sherpur Ainpur playground in Moulvibazar
Speaking at 3:30pm, the leader expanded on the "I have a plan" declaration he first shared upon returning to the country after more than 17 years in self-imposed exile.

He pledged to create comprehensive employment opportunities for youth, saying the party aims to provide vocational training and language coaching for those seeking work abroad to ensure they secure higher-paying roles.
Tarique also announced plans for family cards for every household, agricultural support for farmers, and government stipends for Imams, Muezzins, and Khatibs.
“These people are part of our community, standing with us in times of joy and sorrow. They should live in society with dignity and respect,” he said.

Tarique in Moulvibazar

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has arrived in Moulvibazar by road from Sylhet and is addressing a rally.
He began his speech around 3:30pm at the Ainpur playground in Sherpur during the election campaign event.

‘The Bengali people saw who they are in 1971’

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has bashed Jamaat-e-Islami and the party’ recent activities during the launch of the election campaign at a rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.

He called a member of the audience to the stage and said, “You have been to the Kaaba Sharif. Who owns the Kaaba Sharif?”

The man responded, “Allah.”

Tarique then said, “We are all Muslims. Who is the owner of this world that we see in this day and age?”

The man again responded, “Allah.”

“Who is the owner of the sun and the stars that we see?” Tarique asked, and the answer came “Allah.”

The BNP Chairman asked, "Who is the owner of heaven?"

"Allah."

"Who is the owner of hell?"

"Allah,” the man said, as the crowd chanted in unison, “Allah, Allah."

Then Tarique said: “You all bore witness that the owner of hell is Allah; the owner of heaven is Allah; the owner of this world is Allah; the owner of the Kaaba is Allah. Brother, does anyone else have the power to give away what is owned by Allah? No. So, before the election, if a party says, ‘We will give you this, we will give you that,’ doesn’t that mean ‘I will sell you tickets?’”

“If they speak of things that are not owned by humans – isn’t that ‘Shirk’? If they speak of something that is owned by Allah, which only Allah has control over? Only Allah has rights over everything – Allah has rights above all.

“That is why they are cheating you already. Then think how they will cheat you after the election.”

The BNP chairman said, “They are not only deceiving the people, they are making those who are Muslims commit ‘Shirk’. We seek refuge in Allah.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, this country, this country, this beloved motherland, was liberated at the cost of the lives of millions of people during the war in 1971. We saw what roles people played during the liberation of this motherland. We saw who played a role in hundreds and thousands of our brothers being martyred. The honour of hundreds of thousands of the mothers and sisters of this country was defiled. The people of Bangladesh already know them.”

Tarique said, “We have to unite against this apostacy, this rashness, this lie. We have to take back Bangladesh.

"We have freed the country from tyranny, now we have to establish human rights. Just establishing the right to vote and speak is not enough; we have to make arrangements to empower people and raise them onto their own feet. We have to make arrangements so that every person in Bangladesh can eat properly and live well. We have to make arrangements so that every person can walk safely on the streets. That is what it means to take back Bangladesh."

Tarique heads to Moulvibazar

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has left Sylhet for Moulvibazar after addressing a mass rally at the Alia Madrasa ground.
Around 1:30pm, the vehicle carrying him set off for Sherpur’s Ainpur playground, where he is scheduled to speak at an election rally.
Earlier in the morning, he spoke at a discussion titled “The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman” at the Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort.

‘Bangladesh has been looted in the name of development’

“Over the past 15-16 years, we have seen how the wealth of this country’s people has been looted and smuggled abroad in the name of development,” says BNP chief Tarique Rahman at a rally in Sylhet. “Take this highway from Dhaka to Sylhet or Sylhet to Dhaka, for example. In 2005, I came to Sunamganj. There was a flood. It took me about four and a half hours to get here.”

“But today, that same trip takes about 10 hours. Many people from this virtuous land of Sylhet travel to London. Those who go to London will know - it doesn’t even take that long to go to London! This is the peak of our development today.”

He said, “Over the past 15-16 years, we have seen how ballot boxes have been stolen in one election after another; how dummy elections have been held; how ‘overnight elections’ have been orchestrated.
And through these so-called elections, the right to vote and the political rights of the people of Bangladesh were stripped away. Today we have gathered here because of those who sacrificed their lives. Those people who took to the streets for us all.

“We have gathered here after the sacrifices of the lives of those people who have been oppressed and tortured in various ways. Today, because of the sacrifice of the lives of those Bangladesh people, we have embarked on the path to reclaiming these political rights.”

The BNP chairman said, “Dear brothers and sisters, that is why we want to say – ‘Take Back Bangladesh’. The goal of ‘Take Back Bangladesh’ is to reclaim the rights of the people of Bangladesh. That is why we have published a 21-point programme. Through this 21-point programme, if the BNP government is formed in the future, In Sha Alalh, we want to improve the fates of the people of this country.

“...We want to make family cards. We want to give family cards to every family - to make them strong and independent.”

Tarique said, “Those of you who have families here, you know – that a husband and wife together makes a family beautiful. In this way our mothers can stand by you, our sisters can stand by you, and build a family properly. We want to deliver family cards to all the poor families in the villages, cities and towns; to all the middle-class and lower-class families.

“Through this family card, your family - your mother or your wife, your sister - your family will get support. But to implement this family card, what has to be done? What has to be done? The paddy sheaf must win. Will we be able to do it? In Sha Allah.”

Tarique on stage for Sylhet rally

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is on stage at a massive rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.
He reached the rally venue on Thursday noon, greeted by a thunderous ovation that swept across the sprawling grounds.
Under a heavy security blanket, the BNP chief stepped onto the dais with a buoyant smile, waving to the sea of activists who had converged on the city.
He was joined on the platform by his spouse Zubaida Rahman and the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The official schedule marked Jan 22 as the start of the candidates’ formal election campaign. It will continue until Feb 10
From the early hours, streets around Alia Madrasa -- including Chowhatta, Zindabazar, Ambarkhana, Medical Road, and Dargah Road -- were thronged with supporters, with candidates from Sylhet’s six and Sunamganj’s five seats in attendance.
Candidates from six constituencies in Sylhet and five constituencies in Sunamganj attended the rally with their activists and supporters.