BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a rival political party of exploiting religious sentiments to mislead voters, particularly women, by offering “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes ahead of the national election.
“There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. Today, they are going door to door to innocent mothers and sisters, selling ‘tickets to Jannah’,” Tarique said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. “This is not just hypocrisy – it is outright shirk.”
He made the remarks while addressing BNP’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon.
Recalling the party’s role during the 1971 Liberation War, Tarique said Jamaat leaders were involved in killing people at that time and are now again misleading citizens by manipulating religious faith for political gain.
“Those who deceive people by hurting religious sentiments before an election – just imagine how they will deceive the nation if they come to power,” he warned.
Positioning BNP as the defender of democracy, Tarique said the people remain the party’s main strength and urged voters to support BNP’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, to restore democratic governance and improve living conditions.
“If we truly want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s fate through the election on the 12th of next month, then we must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said.
The BNP leader referred to past struggles for democratic rights, noting that many citizens had sacrificed their lives or fallen victim to enforced disappearances to secure the right to vote.
Calling for national unity, Tarique said BNP remains committed to safeguarding Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. “We must revive democratic processes and ensure freedom of speech. Only the Sheaf of Paddy can guarantee this,” he said.
He also claimed that elections held during BNP’s tenure were largely free and fair, allowing citizens to openly criticise the government without fear. “There were no enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings,” he added.
Tarique further alleged that one political party compromised national sovereignty in 1971, while another had done so over the past 16 years, arguing that a BNP victory is essential to protect the country’s future.
The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman, with BNP candidates from various constituencies also addressing the gathering.
Earlier in the day, Tarique formally launched his election campaign with a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. He is scheduled to address further rallies in Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj later on Thursday.