United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday, the final day of electioneering, instructed party leaders, activists and supporters not to leave polling centres until the vote counting is completed and results are confirmed. “When will you go to vote? You must go early in the morning. But going early is not enough. Everyone must go to their respective polling centres, offer Fajr prayers there and then stand in front of the polling centre,” he said. Tarique gave the directive while addressing an election rally at Dayaganj in Jurain under the Dhaka-4 constituency. He also instructed party leaders and supporters not to return home immediately after casting their votes. “You must wait until the very end. Leave only after voting is completed and the votes are counted properly,” Tarique said. The BNP chief said over the past decade, people were deprived not only of their voting rights but also of their economic freedom. “But today, once again, a conspiracy against democracy has begun. We must resist this conspiracy,” he said. Warning against complacency, Tarique said if the country becomes trapped in such conspiracies again, Bangladesh will fall further behind and the long-awaited change in people’s fortunes will be delayed. “That is why you must remain alert during the election on the 12th. Keep your eyes and ears open,” he said. Introducing BNP’s candidate for Dhaka-4, Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Tarique urged local voters to ensure his victory. Earlier, Tarique addressed rallies at Basabo Tarun Sangha ground in Dhaka-9 constituency and at Shaheed Faruk Road in Jatrabari under Dhaka-5. After the Dhaka-4 rally, he spoke at Dhopkhola field in Dhaka-6 constituency. The BNP chairman addressed his final election rally at Lalbagh Balur Math in Dhaka-7 at around 9:30 pm after nearly eight hours of continuous campaigning. He formally wrapped up his election campaign by visiting the graves of his parents at around 11:00 pm.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty are now safe only in the hands of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Tarique Rahman will be able to govern the country by utilizing the experience of his paternal and maternal clans in running the country,” he said while speaking at an election rally at the Sonagazi Government Mohammad Chhaber Model Pilot High School ground in the afternoon. He added that the upcoming February 12 election will decide the country’s future direction — whether towards economic prosperity or conflict and violence. “If Tarique Rahman comes to power, the country will move towards prosperity. Development will happen regardless of party affiliation,” he said. Abdul Awal Mintoo also urged voters to remain vigilant during polling. “Go to the polling station after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, ensure the station is guarded, and return home with your vote slip. No one should take away your right to vote through malpractice,” he said. He promised that if elected on the paddy symbol, he would devote himself to developing the constituency, including constructing a flyover in Lalpul, providing gas connections in Sonagazi, establishing an irrigation system, excavating canals, building a women’s college, introducing honors courses at Sonagazi Government Degree College, and improving roads, ghats, and medical facilities. He added that a master plan would be made for the area’s overall development and law and order. The rally was held under the chairmanship of Sonagazi Upazila BNP convener Joynal Abedin Bablu and moderated by member secretary Syed Alam Bhuiyan. BNP Central Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Johnny and Adv. Shahana Akhter Shanu, District Jubo Dal joint conveners Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and Anwar Hossain Patwari, Upazila BNP senior joint convener Jamal Uddin Sentu, and District Krishak Dal General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon, also addressed the rally.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said some political parties make ‘big speeches’ but have no clear plan for the development of the country and its people, stating that running a country requires concrete programmes, experience and accountability. “Many people can stand on the stage and make big speeches. Many speak beautifully just to receive applause. But running a country is not such an easy task,” he said while speaking at an election rally on Pir Jangi Mazar Road in the Dhaka-8 seat. To run the country effectively, Tarique said there must be clear plans and programmes for the people. “Where are their plans? They only have big words. Governing needs programmes—where are their programmes? It also requires experience. We have seen that their own friends were part of the government over the last one and a half years. But why is the country in such a difficult situation now?” He said it is now proven that if anyone can change the fate of the people of Bangladesh and rein in corruption in the country, it is the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. The BNP chief also highlighted his party’s various plans for addressing the country’s different problems and ensuring the welfare of people, including youth and women. Tarique pledged that his party, if elected to power, will create employment opportunities for 10 million people within five years. Unemployment among youths is a nationwide problem and the party has already taken plans and programmes to address it, he said. The BNP chairman said his party will encourage local and foreign investment, set up mills and factories, and expand vocational, technological and IT training institutes across the country to develop a skilled workforce. Tarique also promised support for overseas job seekers through government-backed small loans, so that migrant workers would not need to sell ancestral land to finance migration. Some 100,000 health workers would be recruited to expand employment and healthcare services, he added. The BNP leader outlined additional plans, including family cards, agriculture cards, improved healthcare, honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, better law and order, public safety and anti-corruption measures. He also pledged local development in Dhaka-8, including playgrounds, expanded graveyard space and steps to reduce waterlogging. Later, Tarique handed the party symbol to BNP candidate Mirza Abbas and urged voters to elect him. Vote Engineering To Be Resisted Addressing the rally, BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas alleged that certain quarters are trying to manipulate the election to ensure victory for selected candidates. He called on party leaders and activists to guard polling stations and prevent any disorder, warning that conspiracies from home and abroad will not be allowed to create unrest. Abbas expressed hope that Tarique Rahman will become prime minister and address local problems such as gas, water, waterlogging, youth unemployment, playgrounds and graveyard expansion. BNP Women’s Wing President and Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas was also present at the rally.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday congratulated Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her party on their decisive win in Japan’s parliamentary elections, saying the result demonstrated the Japanese people’s trust in democratic participation and accountable governance. “I congratulate Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her party on their decisive victory in Japan’s parliamentary elections,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page. Tarique said the election results reflect the confidence of the Japanese people in democratic participation and accountable leadership. Tarique Rahman in Barishal after two decades “Japan once again demonstrates how credible elections can produce stability, clarity of direction, and renewed public trust in institutions,” the BNP chief said. Drawing a parallel with Bangladesh, the BNP chief said the Japanese election carried an important lesson for all democracies, particularly as Bangladesh prepares for its own national polls. “When citizens are allowed to freely exercise their right to vote, the outcome strengthens the nation, regardless of political affiliation.” He said free, fair and peaceful elections empower citizens to shape their future and ensure the legitimacy of governance. “I hope Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership will further deepen the long-standing friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, and contribute to peace, prosperity, and democratic values across Asia,” Tarique said. BNP only party capable of rebuilding country, says Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters across the country to cast their ballots in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, saying that the BNP is the only political party with the experience, vision and practical plans needed to rebuild the nation. “BNP is the only party that knows how to run the state properly. We have the experience, the plans and the proven record to move Bangladesh forward,” he said while addressing an election rally at Kamal Ataturk Avenue playground in Banani under his Dhaka-17 constituency. Tarique said Bangladesh witnessed severe hardship after independence, recalling the 1974 famine in which lakhs of people died. He said the situation changed under the leadership of late President Ziaur Rahman. “A country that once suffered famine later achieved food self-sufficiency and even exported food during President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure,” the BNP chief said. Recalling political developments of the 1990s, Tarique said that after years of autocratic rule, the people entrusted BNP with state responsibility under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “Bangladesh then transformed into an emerging tiger through various reforms, and thousands of industries were established,” he added. The BNP chief said if voters elected the Sheaf of Paddy, his party’s election symbol, in the February 12 election, the party would use its past experience to rebuild the country and address current challenges. “Our main task now is state reconstruction. We have driven out authoritarianism. The next goal is to rebuild the country,” he said. Tarique identified unemployment, particularly among educated youth, as one of the biggest challenges facing the nation. Tarique said the country is heading towards a long-awaited election. “In two days, Insha’Allah, the much-expected election of Bangladesh will be held. Over the last 16 years, many people have been killed for this election. We have seen during the July movement how many lives were lost,” he said. The BNP leader urged people to give BNP the opportunity to implement its plans and programmes.“BNP will build the country together with the people. Speaking as the Dhaka-17 candidate, Tarique said Khaleda Zia had previously been elected from the constituency and highlighted his personal connection with the area. “This time, I am the candidate…After the Liberation War of Bangladesh, I was brought up here from 1972. My brother also grew up here. Our family and our children were born in this area,” he said. The BNP Chairman said his mother Khaleda Zia spent her life in the area and passed away there, creating a deep emotional and spiritual bond between his family and the residents. Outlining BNP’s plans if elected, Tarique said public expectations are naturally high, especially from a party like BNP. “We have prepared our plans in line with the expectations of the people so that, if BNP forms the government after the election on the 12 February, we can address the needs of every segment of society,” he said. “There are many challenges ahead. We must create employment for the country’s youth, ensure a better education system for future generations, reduce traffic congestion and repair roads,” he said. Criticising the past pattern of governance, he said mega projects over the last 15 years had resulted in “mega corruption”, underscoring the urgent need for change. “For this change, we seek the support of people. No country can be rebuilt by keeping a large number of young people unemployed. We must create jobs both at home and abroad,” he said. The BNP chairman also promised support for migrant workers, saying many people are forced to sell land or homes to go abroad for work. “If BNP comes to power, we will introduce low-interest loans so expatriate workers can go abroad with dignity and contribute productively to the country,” he said. Seeking votes as the Dhaka-17 candidate, Tarique urged local residents to support him and the party’s candidates across the country. “I am asking for your verdict in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy so that we can change people’s lives and take the country forward,” he said. Referring to his political upbringing, Tarique said he learned from late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia that a nation must be built by its own people. “They always believed that we must build our country ourselves. No one else will do it for us,” he said. On the final day of his election campaign, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address eight rallies across Dhaka, including in his own constituency and seven other parliamentary seats under Dhaka South City. Tarique seeks votes for 'Sheaf of Paddy', also for 'Spade' in Dhaka-12 After the Banani rally, Tarique’s motorcade left for Dhanmondi to address a roadside rally there. He is scheduled to speak at election rallies in Dhaka-10 (Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground), Dhaka-8 (Pir Jangi Mazar Road), Dhaka-9 (Basabo Tarun Sangha ground), Dhaka-5 (Jatrabari Shaheed Faruk Road), Dhaka-4 (Jurain Dayaganj Road), Dhaka-6 (Dhopkhola field) and Dhaka-7 (Lalbagh Balur Math). Tarique began campaigning in Dhaka city on Sunday after concluding his nationwide election campaign. He addressed seven election rallies in the capital the previous day.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday sought votes not only for his party’s electoral symbol 'Sheaf of Paddy' but also for the 'Spade' symbol in the capital, urging voters to support Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque in Dhaka-12 constituency. “One of those who stood with us on the streets during past movements is contesting here in Dhaka-12 with the Spade symbol. From BNP, we are supporting Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, as our candidate,” he said. Addressing a roadside rally in Tejgaon Industrial Area under Dhaka-12 seat, Tarique also said Saiful Haque a long-time ally of his party. “Here in Dhaka-12, a victory for the Spade means a victory for the Sheaf of Paddy. And if the Spade  wins, it will pave the way for development of the area,” he said. Reminding voters to remain alert, Tarique alleged that a political is once again engaging in conspiracies to manipulate the election. “We have seen in the past how people’s political rights were taken away. Even now, a political party is engaged in various conspiracies,” he said. Referring to recent media reports, the BNP chief said a member of that party was caught while attempting to produce fake seals for use in voting. “That is why I urge voters to stay alert and vigilant so that no one can use fake seals or manipulate the election results through conspiracy,” he said, adding that a victory for Spade would help BNP form the government. Tarique Rahman calls vigilance to protect voting rights Tarique said if BNP comes to power, the problems highlighted by Saiful Haque in Dhaka-12 will be addressed. “We must take a pledge today that our future politics will be about rebuilding the country and changing people’s fates and lives,” he said. The BNP Chairman recalled past movements against autocratic regime and said the next phase os nation-building. “We fought and removed autocracy in the past. Now it is time to build the country. We must work shoulder to shoulder to achieve that,” he said. After the rally, Tarique visited the office of daily Dinkal in Tejgaon, where he exchanged greetings with journalists and staff.  Tarique Rahman is the publisher and editor of the newspaper. Later at night, around 11:00pm, Tarique addressed another roadside rally in Satarkul, Badda, seeking votes for BNP candidate MA Qyayum in Dhaka-11. He also focused on the various plans included in his party’s manifesto, aimed at improving people’s welfare and promoting the country’s development. Recalling that his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who was elected from the same seat in 1991, Tarique urged voters to support MA Qyayum in the February-12 election. He promised to address the problems faced by the residents of the constituency and ensure its development if the BNP comes to power. Tarique also called on voters to remain vigilant to prevent any attempts at vote rigging or manipulation of the election results. On the first day of his Dhaka campaign, Tarique addressed rallies in seven constituencies. 

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged people across the country to remain alert so that no one can snatch away their voting rights or manipulate the results of the national election through conspiracies.   “You must remain alert so that no one can turn your vote into a dummy election and lock it inside ballot boxes. No one should be allowed to steal your voting rights or change the election results through conspiracy,” he said.  Tarique issued the warning while speaking at an election rally at the National Bangla High School ground in Mirpur in support of BNP candidate Sanjida Islam Tuli for the Dhaka-14 constituency He said BNP does not want to make promises that are beyond people’s capacity or outside what Allah has enabled humans to do. The BNP chief alleged that a certain party is trying to mislead people in the name of religion and is also engaging in conspiracies to influence the election. “We have already seen that people from that party were caught while trying to make fake seals. They also went to innocent mothers and sisters to collect NID numbers and bKash numbers to mislead them,” he said. In an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique said such party has a history of standing against people, including during the Liberation War and the mass movement of 1990. “They have repeatedly abandoned the people and sided with anti-democratic forces,” he said. Outlining BNP’s plans if it comes to power, Tarique said the party believes people need plans and programmes, not empty criticism. “I could stand here and criticise our political opponents, but that would not benefit the people. What people need are plans and programmes that can truly change their fate. At this moment, BNP is the only political party that has such plans,” he said. Criticising the past 16 years of governance by Awami League, the BNP chairman said so-called mega projects did not bring real benefits to ordinary people. Free education for girls up to honours if BNP wins: Zubaida Rahman “Mega projects were carried out in the name of development, but people’s lives did not improve. Only a handful of people benefited, filling their pockets with huge amounts of money,” he said. Calling on voters of Dhaka-14, Tarique urged them to support BNP candidate Sanjida Islam Tuli. “Please look after Tuli until February 12. From February 13, she will be responsible for looking after all of you. We nominated her because she understands people’s pain and stands beside them,” he said.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged voters across the country to ensure the victory of the party candidates in the national election as it is crucial to bring a real change to people’s lives and rebuild the country. “Voting will take place on February 12, but the people of Bangladesh should not just elect their representatives. This election must be about rebuilding the country; it must be an election to change the fate of the people,” he said. Speaking at a rally at Adarsha High School ground in Senpara, Mirpur-10 under the Dhaka-15 constituency, Tarique outlined BNP’s national development plans, adding that the party would not make promises it could not deliver. “In our election manifesto, we have set out initiatives to empower women, strengthen the economic backbone of farmers, improve healthcare, and create employment opportunities for young men and women through ICT, vocational and technical institutions,” he said. The BNP chief emphasised that these plans can only be realised with the support of the people. “All these changes and initiatives require your cooperation. BNP has presented its plans, and now I ask the residents of Dhaka-15: What is your plan for February 12?.” Thousands of party supporters responded in unison, chanting, ‘Sheaf of Paddy, Sheaf of Paddy’. Tarique then said, “Insha’Allah, if you succeed in making your plan on February 12, BNP will implement all the promises we have made for the people of this area and the country, step by step. BNP always believes that the people are the source of all its power. We do not make promises beyond the capacity of the people. We promise only what we can deliver.” Dhaka to be made ‘safe city’ with 40 new playgrounds: Tarique Tarique also introduced BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton for Dhaka-15, urging voters to elect him. “The Bangladesh we envision, in honour of our martyrs, can start to take shape from February 13 if voters elect the Sheaf of Paddy.” Tarique began his Dhaka campaign earlier at 3:30 pm at the ECB ground in Dhaka-17, seeking votes for himself. He then addressed a rally at Lalmat Field in Pallabi-2 under Dhaka-16, calling for support for BNP candidate Aminul Haque. Highlighting local issues such as waterlogging and hospital services, Tarique promised solutions under BNP rule. “As a neighbour of this area, I will continue to oversee Dhaka-16. Insha’Allah, if Aminul Haque wins, I will personally ensure that development work and the welfare of the people here are properly monitored from February 13,” Tarique told the voters.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday promised that his party, if elected, would transform Dhaka into a ‘safe city’ and construct at least 40 playgrounds across the capital. “My party, InshaAllah, if elected with your votes and the votes of the people of this country, will transform the cities across the country, including Dhaka, into a safe city,” he said. While addressing a roadside rally in ECB Chattar area of Mirpur in Dhaka-17 at around 3:45 pm on the first day of his final election campaign in the city, Tarique also said his party will work to turn Dhaka into a liveable city where people can move freely and securely. Tarique vows quick implementation of Teesta Master Plan if BNP forms govt “It will be made a city where mothers and sisters can walk freely and safely at any time, where people can live securely, carry out their businesses and jobs without fear. We want to build Dhaka into a beautiful city where the residents can breathe freely,” he observed. Referring to the shortage of playgrounds in the area, the BNP chairman said he has been informed that there were no adequate playfields in the locality. “InshaAllah, if BNP forms the government on February 12 with your prayers and the blessings of Allah, we will not only build playgrounds here but will construct at least 40 playgrounds across Dhaka,” he said. Tarique said the playgrounds will allow the children to play in open spaces and the elders and women to walk and spend time outdoors when needed. He also sought votes across the country for the BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, saying the election is crucial for rebuilding the nation. Introducing himself to voters, he said he is the BNP candidate from Dhaka-17 and a son of the area. “I grew up here from my childhood. My children and my brother’s children were born here, and we also got married here. Our family life is deeply rooted in this area,” he said. As a local resident and a son of the area, Tarique appealed to the elders, women and young voters of the constituency to support him by voting for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election. The BNP chief also pledged to develop the road from ECB Chattar to Jasimuddin area to ease communication problems for local residents. After concluding the roadside rally, Tarique Rahman left for another campaign rally at Adarsha High School in Senpara, Mirpur-10 area. He is also scheduled to address election rallies in Pallabi’s Lalmath under Dhaka-16, Mirpur under Dhaka-15, the National Bangla High School ground opposite Mirpur Model Thana under Dhaka-14, Shyamoli Club ground under Dhaka-13, and Satarkul area of Badda under Dhaka-11. BNP unveils election manifesto with nine pledges, prioritising graft elimination, rule of law, accountability

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that his party would restore the name Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) if voted to power, saying the force’s historic identity linked to the Liberation War was unjustly removed after the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy. “After the brutal massacre of army officers at BDR headquarters in Pilkhana in 2009, the fallen, defeated, fugitive and ousted fascist forces changed the name of the Bangladesh Rifles, an institution deeply linked to the memories of our Liberation War,” he said. While addressing a views-exchange meeting with retired army officers and family members of those killed in the 2009 BDR mutiny at a city hotel, Tarique bemoaned that even the traditional uniform of the BDR was altered. “I want to share a personal feeling with you today. If BNP is entrusted with the responsibility of running the state by the people’s verdict, we will restore the historic name of the Bangladesh Rifles, which carries the legacy of the Liberation War,” he said. Tarique vows quick implementation of Teesta Master Plan if BNP forms govt Tarique also said BNP plans to consult the army to declare February 25—the day of the Pilkhana massacre—as ‘Shaheed Sena Day’, ‘Army Martyrdom Day’ or a ‘National Mourning Day’, so that such a tragedy never occurs again. The BNP Chairman said several recommendations have already been placed by senior retired army officers ahead of the meeting, including the formation of a National Security Council and reforms to certain provisions of the Army Act. “I personally believe that all these recommendations are undoubtedly important. At this moment, I can say that if, by the grace of Allah, BNP is given the responsibility of running the country through the people’s verdict in the upcoming February 12 national election, we plan to form a committee comprising both retired and serving Army officers to implement the recommendations you have placed before us,” he said. Based on the committee’s findings, Tarique said each recommendation will be carefully examined and implemented gradually with sincerity. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to implement the ‘One Rank One Pay’ policy for retired members of the armed forces, saying the provision has already been included in the party’s election manifesto and will be implemented if the party is voted to power. Nearly one million security personnel to guard Bangladesh elections At the beginning of his speech, the BNP chief thanked the organisers for inviting him and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to the programme. Referring to his close emotional bond with the Army, he said, “My wife and I truly feel a sense of nostalgia when we take part in discussions like this with you. We always consider the Army, and the armed forces as a whole, as an extended family.” Referring to his emotional and close bond with the Army, Tarique said, “My wife and I truly feel a sense of nostalgia when we sit in a discussion like this with you. We consider the Army, or the armed forces as a whole, always as an extended family to us.” He said the bond perhaps stemmed from his and his family’s upbringing in army cantonments. “We lost our father at a very young age. But as I grew up, I saw that my late mother Begum Khaleda Zia had a deep sense of trust in and respect for the Army. She always believed that Bangladesh must have a strong Army to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” Tarique said. Zaima goes door to door in Dhaka-17 campaigning for father Tarique Rahman said that, as a son, he is proud of his father late President Ziaur Rahman, and believed that by declaring Bangladesh’s independence as an Army officer, he also made the Army proud. “Just as I take pride in my father, I believe the democratic and freedom-loving people of Bangladesh are proud of Shaheed Zia as the proclaimer of independence and a valiant freedom fighter. I firmly believe that our family, and in the same way the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, also feel that pride,” he said. Tarique Rahman noted that people regard the army as the most reliable guardian of the country’s independence and sovereignty, and warned that involving the army in non-core activities undermines its primary role. Referring to the past 15 years, he said questions remain about how the army’s honour and role were affected during that period, including after the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed. Tarique said during the period when the country fell under the grip of fascist and subservient forces, not only were democracy and citizens’ freedoms violated, but also the nation’s independence and sovereignty were also put at risk. Agro-based industries key to improving farmers’ lives: Tarique He said even after the planned massacre of army officers at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana in February 2009, the Armed Forces themselves were unable to properly observe that tragic day, nor were they allowed to do so. “The honour of the army cannot be restored by words. Honour is something that must be earned and upheld,” Tarique said. The BNP Chairman categorically stated that the army will never be allowed to be used for political interests if BNP comes to power. “BNP did not do this in the past, does not do it now, and will never do it in the future,” he said, adding that BNP always stands for Bangladesh and its sovereignty. The BNP chief stressed that while the army should remain politically aware, it must never be absorbed into politics, urging officers to remain vigilant so that professionalism is not overshadowed by political interests. The programme began with special prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the martyrs of the armed forces. Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar delivered the welcome speech. Earlier, Tarique Rahman greeted retired officers individually, walking around the venue and exchanging handshakes. During the event, several retired officers spoke about alleged repression during the past 15 years, while Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of slain BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, also addressed the gathering. Mirza Abbas warns of election engineering, alleges administrative bias The programme was also attended by Dr Zubaida Rahman and senior retired army officials. Tarique Rahman later joined the retired officers for dinner.