Leader of ‘jalims’ uses 'tainted' words about women: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on what he described as a “secret party” that emerged as “Jalims” (oppressors), accusing its leaders of disrespecting women while falsely claiming to practise Islamic politics.

“They call themselves religious, yet they use the word ‘tainted’ for women,” Tarique said. “In Bangladesh, men and women work side by side in fields and homes. Those who insult our mothers and sisters have no moral right to rule this country.”

He made the remarks while addressing a massive election rally at Faridpur Government Rajendra College ground on Wednesday, February 4, ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Referring to the unnamed group as the “new oppressors,” the BNP chief said people had not forgotten history. “With the support of this secret party, millions of mothers and sisters were oppressed in the past. No good can come from those who do not respect women,” he said.

Calling the upcoming election decisive, Tarique Rahman said, “On February 12, people will elect their true representatives – those who will be accountable. If the conspiracy is stopped on that day, the people’s rule will begin from February 13.”

He alleged that a “deep conspiracy” was still underway and urged voters to remain alert and vigilant.

Taking aim at the government’s development narrative, Tarique said he had been out of the country for 17 years, but what he had seen was “plunder in the name of development.” “Your rights were snatched away. The time has come to restore them,” he said, asking voters to cast their ballots for the BNP’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

Promising sweeping development for Faridpur, he said BNP would upgrade the district to a city corporation and grant it divisional status if voted to power. “These demands will be fulfilled – this is my commitment,” he said.

The BNP chairman also pledged job creation for unemployed youth and outlined a reconstruction agenda that included building schools and colleges, setting up mills and factories, re-excavating canals and rivers, and constructing cold storage facilities for farmers.

Highlighting river erosion as a major regional challenge, he said proper river management could boost agricultural production and exports, particularly jute, earning much-needed foreign currency.

Tarique Rahman also criticised what he called unethical practices by the “secret party,” alleging they were collecting bKash numbers and national ID cards from citizens. “Why are they doing this? This is immoral. Yet they claim to establish the rule of honest people,” he said.

The rally was presided over by Faridpur district BNP Convener Advocate Modarres Ali Icha. BNP Central Organising Secretary Shama Obaed, district BNP Secretary AK Kibria Swapon, Abzal Hossain Khan Palash and Khandakar Nasirul Islam also addressed the gathering.

Introducing BNP candidates for all 15 constituencies in greater Faridpur, Tarique urged voters to ensure victory for the party in the February 12 election.