Tarique Rahman warns of election manipulation, calls for vigilance

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday called on citizens to remain alert against any attempt to delay vote counting or manipulate the upcoming national election, stressing that the people of Bangladesh are experienced voters who will not allow their rights to be undermined.

Addressing a massive rally at Jashore Upashahar College ground, Tarique warned, “There is talk that vote counting may take unusually long. If anyone tries to take advantage of this to manipulate the results, you must resist it firmly.”

He recalled past elections in 1991, 1996 and 2001, emphasising that the public knows how the electoral process normally proceeds.

Tarique also condemned recent offensive remarks by a political party leader targeting working women, describing the language as disgraceful.

Highlighting the role of women in national development, he cited Hazrat Khadija (RA), the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) successful businesswoman wife, as an example, and pledged that if BNP forms the next government, women would receive ‘family cards’ to support their economic independence, while farmers would get ‘farmer cards’.

During the rally, Tarique handed over BNP’s ‘Dhaner Shish’ (Sheaf of Paddy) symbol to 22 candidates from Jashore, Jhenaidah, Magura, Narail, Kushtia, Meherpur and Chuadanga, urging voters to ensure their victory.

He alleged that certain parties were attempting to collect NID and bKash information to influence the poll and warned people to stay vigilant against such tactics.

Highlighting regional development plans, Tarique announced initiatives to modernise Jashore’s flower cultivation industry and enable exports, revive sugar mills, re-excavate canals including the historic Ulashi Khal, and restart the GK Project in Jashore-Kushtia.

“If BNP forms the government, I will personally participate in these development projects,” he said.

The rally was presided over by Jashore District BNP President Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, with BNP Central Committee Vice-Chairmen Nitai Roy Chowdhury and Professor Nargis Begum, Khulna Divisional Acting Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, and other regional leaders in attendance.

Tarique concluded by calling for unity, vigilance and active participation in building a Bangladesh, where men and women work together for a prosperous, fair and inclusive future.