BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that Bangladesh currently has no alternative to the BNP when it comes to experienced and capable governance, urging voters to rally behind his party in the February 12 general election.
Addressing an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park area in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon, Tarique said the BNP was the only political force with the experience and credibility to run the country “properly and beautifully”.
“At this moment, there is no party except the BNP that has the experience to take Bangladesh forward,” he told supporters. “People trust those who have stood by them in difficult times. Those qualities exist only in the BNP.”
Warning against attempts to undermine the democratic process, the BNP chief urged voters to remain vigilant so that the right to vote is not “snatched away again through conspiracy”.
“If the people want to restore their rights, they must give a clear reply on February 12 by voting for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said, referring to the party’s electoral symbol. “That ballot stamp will be the people’s answer to autocracy.”
Tarique said the country’s citizens had endured years of protest and sacrifice against injustice and authoritarian rule, stressing that the upcoming election was crucial to reclaiming democratic rights.
Calling for unity, he said Bangladesh could only move forward if its people stood together. “If we want to rebuild the country and move ahead with 200 million people, then unity is essential,” he said.
Outlining the BNP’s political philosophy, Tarique said the party believed in peaceful coexistence and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion or caste.
“To us, the greatest identity is being a citizen of Bangladesh. People matter most, and only a government backed by the people can solve the country’s real problems,” he added.
During the rally, Tarique introduced BNP candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna and called on voters to support them. He said significant development work was still needed in the northern region and pledged targeted initiatives to uplift local livelihoods.
Among the key promises outlined were the establishment of new industrial parks, the development of agriculture-based industries, the revival of the handloom sector, the expansion of international markets for local products, and the creation of vocational training institutes. He also pledged support for women and farmers through family cards and farmers’ cards if the BNP returns to power.
“We fought, we protested, and many sacrificed their lives to end autocracy,” Tarique said. “Now the responsibility is ours to build the country together.”
The rally was presided over by Sirajganj district BNP President Rumana Mahmud and conducted by General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu. BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with central and local leaders, also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, Tarique handed over the party’s election symbols to BNP candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna before leaving for Tangail, as part of his three-day election campaign across Rajshahi, Rangpur and surrounding districts.