United News of Bangladesh

After nearly 21 years, the historic Polo Ground in the port city of Chattogram is once again set to witness a defining political moment as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to address a major election rally on Sunday. The port city is buzzing with excitement as BNP leaders, activists and supporters from across Chattogram pour in, turning the area around the Polo Ground into a hive of political activity. For many, the occasion carries deep emotional and symbolic weight, marking Tarique Rahman’s return to the city after a gap of 20 years and seven months. This rally will formally launch the second phase of the BNP’s election campaign, with party insiders describing it as a crucial moment in shaping momentum ahead of the polls. Streets, party offices and local gathering points across the city are alive with preparations, posters and slogans, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm surrounding the visit. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take the stage at around 11:30am, when thousands are expected to gather at the historic ground, long associated with landmark political events in Chattogram’s history. Organisers say the rally is expected to be one of the largest BNP gatherings the city has seen in recent years. A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage is being constructed at the venue, where workers were seen busy with preparations on Saturday afternoon.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said law and order and corruption would be the two top priorities if his party forms the next government, saying that addressing these issues would help solve many other national challenges. “Our first priority is to ensure law and order. People have said it, and you have said it too that everyone must feel safe on the streets. We have to make sure of that,” he said while interacting with the winners of a national reel-making competition titled ‘Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh’. The BNP chairman said corruption must also be addressed in every possible way. “There are different types of corruption at different levels. We have to deal with it in whatever form it exists. If we can properly address these two issues (law and order and corruption) many other problems will be solved to a large extent. This is my plan,” he said. The interaction was held at an open space in Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in the capital’s Gulshan area. Tarique Rahman spoke with 10 winners of the national reel-making competition. His daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, was also present at the event. During the session, the winners asked him various questions, and he responded in an open and friendly manner. On the issue of BNP’s proposed Family Card, Tarique Rahman said the support would be universal, rather than limited to narrow categories. Replying to a question, he said single mothers, including women whose husbands had left them or widows, will be brought under the proposed Family Card facility. The BNP chief said the government currently runs around 138 social safety net programmes under different ministries and departments, but these are poorly coordinated, leading to misuse of resources. As a result, he said, some people receive support from multiple schemes, while others receive nothing at all. Tarique said his party wants to organise the welfare system through a family-based approach and make the Family Card universal, covering wives of farmers, van pullers and office workers. He also said the system will be designed to keep benefit levels reasonable and reduce corruption as much as possible.  Replying to a question about online harassment and the lack of discussion on the issue in the media, Tarique said the issue should be viewed from a broader perspective, particularly through education and social values. Referring to a reel made on education, he said it highlighted two important aspects, including the need to start value-based learning from the primary level. To explain his point, the BNP chief shared an anecdote about a family he knew. “A 12- or 13-year-old boy once asked his father to wear a seat belt while travelling in a car, warning that his teacher had told students they should not ride with someone who ignored traffic rules.” He said the incident showed how social values could influence behaviour when taught at an early age. Tarique said schools must play a key role in teaching children social and moral values, which is why his party wants to put greater emphasis on primary education. He also said focus will not be on constructing new multi-storey school buildings, but on using the budget to make primary school teachers more qualified by providing proper training. According to him, such training will include academic instruction as well as lessons on social and religious values, so that children grow up with a strong sense of responsibility. Tarique said the BNP’s proposed education reforms will include greater emphasis on sports, third language learning, arts, recitation, and cultural activities, which help children channel energy positively and reduce harmful digital engagement. He also said four ministries--Education, Cultural Affairs, Science and Technology, and Youth & Sports –will be tasked to work jointly to implement such reforms. “We want to keep children productively engaged for around ten months of the year through competitions, sports and cultural programmes.” Replying to a question about online harassment, Barrister Zaima Rahman said both girls and boys face harassment online. S She highlighted the need for digital literacy, reporting systems and community structures to counter online harassment. Zaima said it is important to understand how system hacking and reporting works and proposed setting up a proper reporting system, possibly with a community desk, so that incidents in local areas could be managed locally. She said that if children are taught from an early age what is right and wrong, the problem of online harassment could be significantly reduced. “Everything needs to be done together,” she said. At one-point Tarique said Zaima’s ideas are under consideration, though they are not yet included in the party’s plans. He said some recent incidents seen on social media are deeply troubling, including one in which a dog was tied to a tree and beaten to death in a district in Bangladesh. “It is very sad. A helpless animal was tied up and beaten. What kind of behaviour is this?” Tarique said BNP is thinking of introducing value-based education. “We are thinking whether to introduce it at primary or secondary level. The idea is to build social empathy and responsibility from a young age.”  He explained that students work in small teams to care for animals such as cows, goats, chickens, or dogs, and record their experiences. “ Responding to a question on Dhaka’s chronic traffic crisis, Tarique said the capital’s size, population density and concentration of facilities were major drivers of congestion. He said part of BNP’s thinking involves building satellite towns around neighbouring districts such as Mymensingh, Manikganj, Munshiganj and Tangail, connected by fast rail links running at 60-70 miles per hour. After two decades, Ctg’s Polo Ground awaits Tarique’s return These towns will not require acquiring new land, the BNP chief said, but will expand existing district towns with adequate schools, healthcare, markets and security. “If living costs are lower and facilities exist, people will move voluntarily. This is how other countries eased mega-city pressure.” On public transport, Tarique said experts he consulted suggested the adoption of monorail systems for neighbourhood connectivity, arguing they are cheaper and more flexible than large metro projects, and can be installed and removed more easily. “This is not easy work, and it will take time. But it is not impossible. If we try, it can be done,” he said. Tarique also said BNP is exploring whether Facebook can establish an office in Bangladesh, noting the importance of local engagement on digital governance and content issues.

BNP on Saturday dismissed an allegation by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher regarding an alleged agreements with India, calling it a 'political smear' with no factual basis. “A very influential leader of a political party has made a claim about BNP’s deal with India, referring to the media. But he could not present any evidence in support of his claim, nor will he be able to do so,” said BNP’s Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office, he also said Taher’s remarks amounted to 'political smear tactics and misinformation' aimed at creating confusion during the election period. “The information, he claims, came from the media, and it has no basis whatsoever. There is not the slightest reality, not the slightest truth. So, this appears to be a political tactic to create controversies, a smear campaign,” Mahdi said. He said if the Jamaat leader was fed incorrect information or used to spread confusion, it would point to ignorance on his part. “We believe it is either a tactic or ignorance. We want to state clearly that the claims about BNP having any agreement with India are entirely false and amount to propaganda.” Taher, while implicitly referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, had claimed that the BNP entered into 'three agreements' with India. Mahdi said BNP rejects 'negative propaganda, smear tactics and opportunistic politics' ahead of the polls. “BNP’s politics is Bangladesh-first politics. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, national interest, sovereignty and the empowerment of citizens come first,” he said. Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s past mobilisation on issues involving water sharing and border tensions. “We demonstrated for fair water rights on the Teesta and Padma rivers and protested the killing of Felani on the border. Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, BNP rejected subservient foreign policy and defended national sovereignty,” he said. Jamaat commits to implementing Teesta Mega Plan if elected: Dr Shafiqur Rahman Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s recently launched election hotlines aimed at providing election-related guidance and receiving complaints. “BNP has launched hotline 16543 and a WhatsApp hotline 01806977577 to enhance direct communication with the people, provide legal information, and receive complaints and constructive feedback related to the polls,” he said. Mahdi said a large number of people have already contacted the hotlines and received assistance. He drew attention to reports that an unauthorised group has been demanding money from people in the name of distributing ‘Family Cards’ and ‘Farmer Cards’. Mahdi said these cards—part of BNP’s proposed social welfare and empowerment programmes—would only be implemented by the state and 'fully free of cost' if the party comes to power. “If anyone fraudulently demands money in the name of these cards, we urge people to inform us and contact law enforcement,” the BNP spokesperson said. Responding to a query, Mahdi reiterated that any attempt to collect money using these cards is 'unwanted and intended to create controversy'.    

BNP Secretary General and Thakurgaon-1 constituency candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said his party would ensure the safety and security of Hindu community people  if it comes to power. “Some people are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims  but there is no scope for such division. We live together and will continue to do so,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks Friday afternoon during election campaign at Sholtihori Bazar in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. Addressing a series of rallies and roadside meetings from afternoon to evening at Sholothori, 11 Mile, Bairagi, Paysafela, Munshirhat and Debipur in Sadar upazila, Fakhrul urged voters to support BNP in the upcoming national election. He said over the last 15 years ballots were cast the night before elections or taken away, depriving people of their voting rights. “Now an opportunity is coming. Our Hasina Apa has gone to India. It is good that she has left, but she has put those who supported her  in danger. We are saying that no innocent person will face any trouble. We are standing by them. Those who have done no wrong will not be punished,” Fakhrul said. He said Jamaat-e-Islami has never governed the country while BNP is a tested party. “Only BNP, with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, can deliver development. No one else can,” he said. He said BNP activists are  ‘soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia’ who have always stood by the people in times of distress. BNP awaits landslide victory; some parties don’t want election: Fakhrul Making voters alert ahead of the February 12 election,Fakhrul said, “One party asking for votes with Scales symbols. Have they ever formed a government? Have they done any work for you? They have not. We have governed before and worked for the people.” Emphasising communal harmony Fakhrul said he works with people of all religions—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—and wants to ensure equal security for everyone.

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.

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. The election will see participation from registered 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate in the 13th parliamentary election, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 76 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 3.84% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 11 valid women candidates following scrutiny, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Human trafficking, instability erode global trust in Bangladesh’s passports Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Confusion clouds Shammo murder probe as key suspect remains elusive Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed seven election rallies in just 16 hours on the first day of his campaign. He addressed the final rally of the day at Gausia in Narayanganj’s Rupganj around 4:30 am Friday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Reach polling centres before Fajr to safeguard votes: Tarique Later, he returned to his Gulshan residence, completing the first day of electioneering. Tarique began his day at 12:30 pm on Thursday with his first rally at Aliya Madrasa field in Sylhet. He then addressed rallies sequentially at Ainpur playground in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, Shayestaganj Upazila field in Habiganj, Kuttapara playground in Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, and a municipal-adjacent area in Narsingdi No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid  Traveling continuously for 16 hours, Tarique drew large crowds at rallies along the route late into the night. On the second day of campaigning, Tarique is scheduled to attend an election rally at BRB Ground, Bhashantek, in the Dhaka-17 constituency at 6pm Friday.

A local BNP leader was injured in a gun attack by miscreants in Keraniganj on Thursday night. The victim was identified as Hasan Mollah, 45, son of Akar Mollah of Jagannathpur village under Keraniganj thana. He is the general secretary of Hazratpur Union BNP under the Dhaka-2 constituency. He was shot by unidentified assailants around 9:00pm, said M Saiful Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keraniganj Model Police Station. He was initially taken to Square Hospital in critical condition and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 10:45 pm for further treatment. Rakib Hossain, younger brother of the injured BNP leader, said miscreants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire in front of the house of the Hero Chairman of Ward No. 7 before fleeing. The bullets hit Hasan Mollah on the right side of his abdomen, he added. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at DMCH, said a man from Keraniganj was brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department.  

At least nine supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates were injured following a clash between the groups in Ullapara on the first day of campaigning on Thursday (January 22, 2026). The identities of the injured could not be immediately confirmed, said Rupkar, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Ullapara Model Police Station. Read more: BNP leader shot and injured in Keraniganj OC Rupkar said both sides were campaigning in Tetulia village under the Sirajganj-4 (Ullapara) constituency when a verbal argument escalated into a physical clash. Supporters from both sides reportedly chased each other, and private cars and motorcycles belonging to Jamaat supporters were vandalised. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Patrolling has been strengthened in the area to prevent further clashes. Legal action will be taken if any formal complaints are filed regarding the incident, added the OC. Read more: No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid 

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.