Unity like 1971, is the key to BNP's victory in February polls: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman has called on citizens from all backgrounds to unite as they did during the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 mass uprising, saying national unity is essential for his party’s victory in the February 12 general election and for rebuilding the country.

Speaking at a large election rally at the Circuit House ground in Mymensingh on Tuesday afternoon, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh’s defining moments were shaped by collective struggle that transcended religion, region and social identity.

“We achieved independence through immense sacrifice in 1971,” he said. “Again, on August 5, 2024, students and people from all walks of life came forward to defend that freedom. In both moments, people stood side by side without asking who came from the hills or the plains or who followed which faith.”

He urged voters to replicate that unity in the upcoming election. “If we remain united on February 12, just as we won independence and removed autocracy, we will be able to build the Bangladesh we dream of,” he told the crowd.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Mymensingh by road around 3:30pm as part of BNP’s nationwide campaign, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman. Thousands of party leaders and supporters from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona and Sherpur gathered at the venue, at times overwhelming security arrangements as his motorcade made its way through the city.

Before taking the stage, Tarique Rahman met family members of those killed and injured during the July uprising and in democratic movements over the past 17 years, shaking hands and expressing his condolences. Zubaida Rahman remained on stage throughout the rally, frequently waving to the crowd but did not address the gathering.

During his speech, Tarique Rahman introduced BNP candidates from 24 parliamentary constituencies across the four districts, presenting them with the party’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy. “I am entrusting them to you,” he said. “Make them victorious so they can serve you.”

He framed the election as a decisive moment after what he described as 16 years of repression marked by enforced disappearances, killings and denial of voting rights. He blamed unresolved regional problems on what he called “night-time votes and dummy elections” that failed to produce genuine public representation.

Outlining BNP’s vision, Tarique Rahman said rebuilding the country requires a single guiding principle: “Work for the country, build the nation; Bangladesh above everything.” He argued that unity is the only path to establishing people’s rule and accountability in governance.

He briefly outlined BNP’s policy priorities if elected, including the introduction of family cards for women, farmer cards to ensure timely access to seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, health cards for all citizens, and programmes to reduce unemployment through skills development. For the Mymensingh region specifically, he said BNP plans to create jobs by expanding agriculture and fisheries, including exporting fish fry, strengthen healthcare delivery at home, combat drug abuse through youth training, and improve the livelihoods of imams and muezzins through specialised programmes.

Tarique Rahman also urged voters and party activists to remain vigilant on Election Day. He called for supporters to arrive at polling centres at dawn, cast their votes early and remain until ballots are properly counted. “For many years, our votes were stolen in different ways,” he said. “This time, we must stay alert so no one can steal our votes.” When he asked the crowd to pledge to guard polling stations, supporters responded loudly in agreement, prompting him to reply, “Inshallah.”

Addressing allegations of corruption against BNP, Tarique Rahman rejected claims made by rival parties, accusing them of using rhetoric associated with a former autocratic ruler who later fled the country. He pointed out that two leaders from a rival Islamist party served as ministers throughout the entire BNP-led government from 2001 to 2006.

“If BNP was so corrupt, why did their ministers remain in government and not resign?” he asked, adding that they stayed because they knew former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia did not tolerate corruption. He said international data showed corruption began to decline after Khaleda Zia took office in 2001, and accused BNP’s critics of contradicting their own historical record.

Avoiding personal attacks, Tarique Rahman said BNP believes in politics driven by work rather than rhetoric, arguing that the party has both experience and concrete plans to govern responsibly and control corruption.

The rally was presided over by Zakir Hossain Babul, BNP candidate for Mymensingh-5 and South District convener. After concluding the event at around 4:52pm with a call for votes in favour of the sheaf of paddy, Tarique Rahman departed for Gazipur to attend the next phase of his campaign at Rajbari College ground.

The February 12 election is widely seen as a turning point for Bangladesh’s political future, with BNP portraying it as a chance to restore voting rights and reset the country’s democratic trajectory.