Claiming that Bangladesh made good progress and people’s lives improved whenever his party was in power, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged voters to support the party in the upcoming election to change their fortunes.
“We have seen in the past who truly stood by the people. If we consider all past actions, we will see that whenever the people of this country elected the sheaf of paddy, the country developed and people’s lives improved. So, as a candidate of the sheaf of paddy, I am asking for your votes,” he said.
Speaking at an election rally at the BRB Ground in Bhashantek under the Dhaka-17 constituency, he also urged people to bring his party back to power to implement its plans for national development.
“I urge you, if the plans I have presented to you are to be implemented, the 'Sheaf of Paddy' must win across Bangladesh. Many of your relatives, friends and acquaintances live across the country. As your candidate and as a son of this area, I humbly request you to ask them all to vote for the sheaf of paddy in their respective constituencies on February 12,” he added.
According to the Election Commission’s schedule, formal campaigning began on Thursday. This was Tarique Rahman’s first rally in Dhaka-17. A day earlier, he launched the party’s campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) and addressing a rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.
On the second day of campaigning, Tarique attended the Bhashantek rally with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, as he is contesting from the constituency.
He emphasised his lifelong connection to the local residents and outlined a comprehensive vision for national reform following a period of political upheaval, prioritising democratic accountability and the restoration of voting rights at all levels of government.
Tarique said the country had gone through difficult times over the last 15–16 years before the political changeover through a mass pursing on August 5, 2024.
He said people across Bangladesh now want positive changes, including solutions to key problems such as safe movement, security, jobs for students and employment for unemployed young men and women.
Pointing to former Bangladesh national football team captain Aminul Haque on stage, Tarique Rahman said, “You all know Aminul Haque. We want to bring out such talents so that boys and girls can become professional athletes and earn their livelihood through sports.”
He said every sector of the country and its institutions was weakened over the last 15–16 years, leaving Bangladesh far behind and in need of rebuilding.
“If we want to rebuild, we must establish democracy. Only if you can democratically elect your representatives can you take your local problems to them,” Tarique said.
Referring to the past 15 years, he said people could not approach so-called MPs with their area’s problems. “That is why, to solve local problems and ensure development, we must elect representatives democratically — not only in parliamentary elections but also in municipalities, upazilas and union councils.”
The BNP leader said accountability is essential and elected representatives must know what the people want. “Just as I came to you today and listened to your problems, I expect future representatives at every level to go directly to the people, identify their problems, and take initiatives to solve them.”
Tarique said solving local problems as well as national issues such as security, employment, education, and healthcare requires a democratic government elected by the people. “A people-elected government can solve people’s problems,” he said, calling on supporters to take an oath: “We will work together and build the country — Bangladesh first.”
In the beginning of his speech, he personally took the microphone and called people from different walks of life — long-time Bhashantek residents, young students, marginal workers, and women — asking them about their problems and expectations if he is elected MP.
They said slum dwellers want proper rehabilitation and employment opportunities for women.
In response, Tarique Rahman said, “I have grown up in this area for the last 50 years, although I had to stay outside for some time. Still, I am one of you.”
“Now that I am a candidate of this area, I can assure you that, with your prayers and by the grace of Allah, if I win the upcoming election and the sheaf of paddy forms the government, we will solve the problems raised here today — including the rehabilitation of slum dwellers and other local issues,” he observed.
Several residents shared their concerns directly with Tarique Rahman.
Md Jewel, a van driver, asked him to resolve housing problems and improve roads in the constituency.
Hena Akhter, a student at the University of Asia Pacific, requested better living standards and rehabilitation for slum dwellers.
Lili, a Bhashantek resident, asked for family cards for women and jobs for unemployed youth.
Shanta, another voter, urged employment opportunities for women and access to the cantonment area for civilians.
Another middle-aged woman approached the stage to seek forgiveness for stealing guavas from the cantonment house of Tarique and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 20 years ago.
Sixteen hours, seven stops: Tarique’s campaign begins without pause
She also raised grievances about a portion of land allegedly grabbed by an Awami League leader.
Tarique asked her to plant a guava tree at her home and send some of its fruit as repayment.
He promised to resolve housing problems and rehabilitate slum dwellers.
The BNP Chairman also reiterated that, if his party comes to power, women in every household will receive a Family Card to access either Tk 2,500 in cash or essential food items of equivalent value.
