Habiganj: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on his party’s leaders, activists, and voters to arrive at polling centres before Fajr prayers on election day to prevent vote rigging.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarique emphasized the importance of waking up early, offering Tahajjud prayers, and preparing to head to polling centres. Speaking at an election rally in Shayestaganj Upazila Parishad ground, he urged attendees to consider offering Fajr prayers at the polling centre to ensure their presence before casting votes.
Tarique described the upcoming election as crucial, asserting that only BNP could change the fate of the people. He took a veiled swipe at Jamaat-e-Islam, accusing them of attempts to manipulate expatriate votes and urged vigilance against such actions.
He further critiqued those claiming to establish honest governance, stating that their true nature was revealed during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Tarique declared that Bangladesh belongs to its people, not any individual or group, and encouraged voters to decide the country’s future through their votes.
Addressing allegations of pre-election misconduct, Tarique accused a political party of collecting bKash account numbers and NID card details from rural voters under the guise of promoting honest governance. He lamented the lack of genuine elections over the past 15 years and expressed hope for free voting on February 12.
He urged voters to elect approachable candidates who understand local issues and criticized the previous government’s lack of development, pointing to poor infrastructure as evidence. Tarique accused the government of ruining the country over the past 15 years and emphasized the need for public intervention to combat corruption.
Outlining BNP’s plans, Tarique promised to introduce family cards for poor households, provide technical training for overseas workers, and support farmers with agriculture cards and crop insurance. He also proposed honorariums for religious leaders.
Earlier in the day, Tarique began his election campaign in Sylhet and continued to various locations, including Moulvibazar, to rally support for BNP’s agenda.