BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said that people’s voting rights had been taken away, but that some of our brave sons had sacrificed their lives to restore those rights. He said the sacrifices of brothers and sisters who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings would not be allowed to go in vain.
“This election will be about seeing who truly stands by the people,” he added.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an election rally held at Sun Valley ground in the capital’s Satarkul area of Badda on Sunday night (February 8).
Referring to the last three national elections, he said they were marred by what he described as a “drama” over voting, which prevented people from casting their ballots. “This time, the people of the country will vote,” he said, adding that everyone has united for the election.
Criticising the development vision of the previous Awami League government, Tarique Rahman said that over the past 16 years, “mega corruption” had taken place in the name of mega projects, while the fortunes of ordinary people remained unchanged. He alleged that no effective initiatives were taken during this period to improve people’s lives.
Calling on voters, the BNP chairman said that casting a vote alone is not enough and that voters must vote for the right people. They must consider who truly stands by the people and who has experience in running the state. At this moment, he said, only the BNP has both the experience to govern the country and a clear, well-defined plan.
Referring to the country’s economic crisis and unemployment, he said that huge sums of money had been siphoned off abroad in the name of development. As a result, a large section of the youth is now unemployed. He added that if the BNP comes to power, the party will resolve the crisis by creating employment opportunities.