Barishal’s Bell’s Park ground turned into a charged political arena on Wednesday as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman instructed party leaders and activists to remain at the feet of the people long after the ballots are cast.
“Not only until February 12, but from February 13 for the next five years, remain at the feet of the people,” he declared before a cheering crowd, framing BNP’s campaign as a fight to restore people’s power.
Stressing that public support is the party’s ultimate strength, Tarique warned that leaders who ignore the people eventually face consequences, a pointed remark that drew loud reactions from supporters.
His speech quickly shifted from promises to allegations. Tarique accused what he called “new oppressors” of trying to manipulate the election, claiming ballots were being printed and stamped in advance and that personal data, including NID details and bKash numbers, were being collected from women under suspicious circumstances.
Tarique Rahman said strengthening the foundation of democracy requires the people’s active support, urging voters to reclaim their rights through the February 12 election. He called on party leaders and supporters to remain vigilant during the process.
“They speak of honest rule, yet their actions betray them,” he said, urging voters to remain alert.
He further alleged that claims about hacked IDs were being used to conceal wrongdoing, warning supporters to stay cautious.
Amid the political attacks, Tarique unveiled a string of pledges aimed at winning hearts ahead of the polls. He promised to make women economically self-reliant and said mothers and daughters would receive basic primary healthcare services at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.
Farmers were promised special attention, with plans for cold storage facilities to prevent losses and ensure fair prices. He also announced an agriculture card to distribute seeds and fertilisers based on need and vowed to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000.
Looking toward regional development, the BNP chief said industries would be established using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for locals and injecting new life into the southern economy.
As the rally drew to a close, Tarique framed the upcoming vote as a turning point. “If we want a strong democracy, the people must get their rights back,” he said, urging supporters to stay united and vigilant as election day approaches.
UNB adds: Without naming Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman described the party as a 'secret organisation' and warned that it has reemerged as a fresh source of political oppression in the country.
"There is a political party that has another identity, an identity by which the people know them. By what identity do the people know them? They know them as a secret identity. Do you know who those 'secret' ones are in Bangladeshi politics? Do you know?" he said while addressing an election rally at Bell's Park in Barishal city.
At this point, the people present at the rally responded in unison, saying, 'Jamaat oppressor'.
In reply, Tarique said, "Alhamdulillah. At present, a new oppressor has emerged in Bangladesh. The individuals of this secret organisation have appeared before the people of Bangladesh as a new oppressor."
Turning to the country's female population, the BNP leader said women in Bangladesh have historically worked alongside men in fields, factories and industries, and credited them for sustaining the country's garment sector, which has brought global recognition.
Tarique expressed strong resentment over recent remarks made by a Jamaat leader about women, calling them offensive and disrespectful. "A political leader or party that shows no respect for the country's mothers and sisters cannot bring progress to Bangladesh, nor can it ensure dignity and self-respect for the people."
Referring to Islamic history, Tarique Rahman highlighted women's contributions to society, citing Hazrat Khadija (RA) as a successful businesswoman and Hazrat Ayesha (RA) for her role in the Battle of Badr. "Those who claim to practise Islamic politics must explain how they can demean women when the history of Islam clearly honours their role."
The BNP chief said Bangladesh cannot move forward by confining women to their homes, and recalled that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia made education free for girls up to the intermediate level during her tenure.
Tarique said BNP plans to introduce a "family card" to economically empower women, especially working women and homemakers, enabling them to play a stronger role in families and society. "If we want to build the country, men and women must work shoulder to shoulder."
The BNP chairman said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election.
He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment.
In an oblique reference to Jamaat leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Tarique said a leader of a secret organisation has recently told party workers at a rally that they should bow to the people until the 12th February, after which the people would bow to them for the next five years, calling it proof of an anti-people mindset.
He said Taher's comments exposed their contempt for the public and showed how disastrous the fate of the people and the country would be if such individuals came to power.
Tarique Rahman urged people to remain alert against such secret organisations, saying those who do not respect the people and plan to control them after the election must be taught a lesson, as history shows they have always shifted sides, and the nation cannot expect anything good from them.
He alleged that members of the 'secret organisation' were involved in printing fake ballot papers and collecting NID and mobile banking details from women to influence the election.
"Those who start their journey with unethical practices cannot establish honest governance," the BNP chief said, urging voters to remain alert to prevent vote rigging.
Tarique also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce.
He said BNP would introduce an agriculture card to provide farmers with seeds and fertilisers according to their needs. Loans amounting to Tk 10,000 taken by farmers would be waived, he promised.
The BNP leader said industries would be set up using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for local people and alongside contributing to regional economic development.
Tarique stressed the need for development in the Barishal region, including the construction of the Barishal-Bhola bridge, the improvement of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, the establishment of a medical college in Bhola, and measures to prevent river erosion.
He said these projects could only be implemented if BNP is elected to power, and mentioned BNP's programmes, including cold storage facilities for fishermen, vocational training institutes for the unemployed, healthcare services and canal excavation.