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Published : 03 Aug 2025, 09:49 PM
In Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Shahbagh rally, Tarique Rahman has urged nearly 40 million new voters to support the BNP in the upcoming general election, claiming they were denied their voting rights by what he called a “fascist regime”.
Addressing the massive rally virtually from London on Sunday, the BNP acting chairman said the first-time voters’ right to vote over the past one and a half decades was “taken away” and now is the chance to “reclaim it”.
He urged Chhatra Dal activists to seek votes from first-time voters in favour of the BNP’s traditional election symbol, the paddy sheaf.
“Let your first vote go to the paddy sheaf,” he said. “Say it with me -- this is my call to you.”
Organised to mark the first anniversary of the July Uprising, the rally, which began at 3:20pm, drew huge crowds from early afternoon. Roads surrounding Shahbagh and Dhaka University were packed with supporters by mid-afternoon.
Tarique called on young activists to build themselves into worthy citizens to fulfil the dreams of the martyrs of the Uprising.
He laid out BNP’s vision for a reformed education system -- focused on employment, vocational skills, and global competitiveness.
“Every one of us has a mother,” he said. “Let us work together, both young and old, to build a Bangladesh that our mothers dream of.”
He warned student activists to remain alert against the resurgence of fascism and extremism.
“You must stand guard to prevent the return or rehabilitation of such forces,” he said.
Outlining the BNP’s education priorities, Tarique said the party would introduce information technology and technical education into the school curriculum if voted back to power.
He also urged students to become skilled in those areas to compete globally.
On campuses, he said, Dhaka University’s rich legacy was tarnished when its dormitories became like “concentration camps” for dissenting students during the Awami League rule.
“You now have the chance to restore this campus as a safe space for learning and research,” he said.
He called on Dhaka University Chhatra Dal activists to consult students and present a written proposal to the BNP addressing problems related to housing and food in the halls.
Similar instructions were also issued to student leaders across other universities to gather reports and recommendations based on campus-specific issues and potential.
