BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party would remain uncompromising in protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly mothers and sisters.

“BNP will be uncompromising in protecting the rights of all citizens, especially the rights of mothers and sisters, regardless of whether they are Hindus or Muslims,” he said while campaigning at Bhagdgazi Bazar in Jamalpur Union of the Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

Addressing members of the Hindu community, the BNP secretary general said, “I, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, am always by your side. No one can harm you.”

He said fear often prevails among Hindu brothers and sisters as they consider themselves a minority and worry about persecution. But BNP clearly believes that no one is a minority in the country. “There is no minority in this country; everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh,” he added.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that a political party is trying to mislead common people in the name of religion.

He said some are claiming that voting for a particular election symbol would ensure entry into heaven. “Nauzubillah (I seek refuge in Allah). Can anyone go to heaven simply by voting for a specific symbol?” he questioned, adding that renowned scholars of the country have rejected such propaganda.

He mentioned that Muhibullah Babunagri has said voting for Jamaat-e-Islami is not permissible, while the Pir of Charmonai has termed Jamaat-e-Islami the biggest ‘liar’ party in the world.

“We cannot destroy our faith by voting for such a party,” the BNP secretary general said.

Urging people not to be misled, he called on voters to cast their ballots in favour of the sheaf of paddy symbol on February 12 and make Tarique Rahman the prime minister to develop the country and restore democracy in line with the spirit of the great Liberation War of 1971.