BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday warned voters of ongoing “vote-rigging conspiracies” and urged vigilance ahead of the upcoming national election on February 12.
Speaking at an election rally at Atim Field in Naogaon, Tarique claimed that while one party has left the country, another continues to work behind the scenes in alignment with Awami League.
“The conspiracy of one party has not ended yet. One party has fled, but another is still there. These two sides were together before and have acted quietly behind the scenes at different times,” he said.
Tarique recalled alleged irregularities in past elections, urging voters to guard ballot boxes until counting is complete.
“Do you remember 2008? Sometimes empty boxes were shown, sometimes full boxes appeared like magic. So you must remain alert,” he said.
He specifically advised voters in Naogaon and Joypurhat to arrive early at polling centers, offering Tahajjud prayers, performing Fajr prayers in front of the centers and then lining up to vote once the centers open.
He also cautioned against tricks such as “dummy” or night-time voting, referencing controversial practices in previous elections.
Seeking support for BNP candidates contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, Tarique criticized the government’s record over the past 16 years.
“Yes, there have been flyovers and big buildings in Dhaka and a few other cities, but mega projects only meant mega corruption. Real development has bypassed villages and district towns,” he said.
Tarique outlined BNP’s vision to improve education, empower women, create jobs for youth, ensure public safety and foster an environment conducive to business and peace.
He also promised initiatives such as railway connectivity for Naogaon, cold storage for agricultural produce, and incentives for agro-based entrepreneurs.
Tarique arrived in Naogaon by road around 6:10 PM after a rally at Rajshahi Madrasa Field earlier in the day. Thousands of leaders and activists welcomed him enthusiastically.
The rally was presided over by Naogaon BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddiqui Nannu and conducted by General Secretary Mamunur Rahman Ripon.
BNP candidates from Naogaon’s six constituencies, including Shamsuzzoha, Zahedul Islam Dhalu, Sheikh Rezaul Islam, Ekramul Bari Tipu, and Mostafizur Rahman, along with Joypurhat candidates Abdul Bari and Masud Rana, also addressed the gathering.
Following the rally, Tarique’s convoy departed for Bogura at 7:00 PM.
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