BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the upcoming election on 12 February is an election to move the country forward, establish people’s rule, and rebuild the nation.

He made the remarks on Thursday evening while addressing an election rally as the chief guest at the proposed Upazila Parishad Ground in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj district.

During the speech, Tarique said Bangladesh must come first above all else, rejecting any allegiance to foreign capitals.

“Some go to Delhi, some go to RawalPindi. Not Delhi, not RawalPindi, nor any other country—Bangladesh comes first,” he said, adding that the people of the country are the true source of all political power.

“That is why we believe in working for the prosperity of the people of this country,” Tarique added.

Tarique further said “This is not an election where one goes to the polling centre after Fajr prayers; one must go after offering Tahajjud prayers”, urging party leaders and activists to remain alert and vigilant.

He alleged that a certain party is attempting to capture votes in various ways and said that if BNP comes to power, the country will be governed based on justice and fairness in line with the ideals of the Prophet Muhammad (S).

Referring to political rivals, the BNP chairman said, “Some say they have seen this person or that person. This time, look at this one. We saw them 50 years ago—in 1971—when they stood with anti-liberation forces in the war. Because of their role, millions of our brothers were martyred and the dignity of countless mothers and sisters was violated. The people of Bangladesh already know them well.”

At the first election rally in Shayestaganj, attended by thousands of people, Tarique sought the support and prayers of the people and called on everyone to ensure victory for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.

Stating that BNP wants to make every citizen self-reliant, he said that if the party comes to power, family cards will be introduced for female tea garden workers and rural women, while agricultural cards will be launched for farmers.

Speaking about elections held during the Awami League government, Tarique said, “Over the last 15 to 16 years, we have seen how one farcical election after another was held. Through these so-called elections, the voting rights—and political rights—of the people of Bangladesh were taken away.”

He further alleged that in the name of development over the past 15 to 16 years, public wealth was looted and siphoned off abroad.

The rally, organised by the Habiganj district BNP, saw Tarique arrive on the stage at 5:34pm.

Accompanied by party leaders and activists, he offered Maghrib prayers on the stage and spoke for about 28 minutes.

The venue was already packed with people before his arrival, and he greeted the crowd by waving as he took the stage.

The meeting was presided over by former MP Shammi Akter Sifa, who introduced the BNP candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Habiganj district.

The programme was conducted by District BNP Joint General Secretary M Islam Tarfadar Tanu.

Among others who spoke were BNP candidates Sakhawat Hossain Jibon, Reza Kibria, GK Gaus, SM Faisal, and BNP International Affairs Secretary Ahmad Ali Mukim.