Tarique Rahman slams rivals, 'new tyrants have emerged'

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday strongly criticized his political rivals labeling them as "new tyrants" who threaten the nation with misogynistic ideologies and electoral fraud.

Speaking at a massive electoral rally at historic Bells Park in Barishal, Tarique warned voters against a "clandestine force" that he claims has surfaced to replace the previous autocratic regime.

Without explicitly naming the party, Tarique directed his sharpest criticism at a rival political leader for allegedly using "disgraceful language" regarding women.
He argued that a party lacking respect for women cannot lead the country forward. "A new group of oppressors has appeared who claim to practice the politics of Islam yet use scandalous terms to describe women," he said. "We cannot build the Bangladesh of our dreams by leaving women behind or confining them to their homes. Men and women must work shoulder to shoulder."

The BNP chief also leveled serious allegations of pre-election manipulation, accusing the opposing faction of printing counterfeit ballots and official seals at various printing presses.

He questioned the integrity of those involved in such activities, stating, "How can those who engage in unethical practices before the vote and lie about 'hacked accounts' to cover up their misdeeds ever establish an honest administration?"

Paying tribute to the families of those killed or injured during the July uprising, Tarique reminded the crowd that the revolution was fought to reclaim voting rights denied for the past 16 years.

He declared that the era of "midnight elections" and dummy candidates is over. " The run-away autocrats are gone; this is now a Bangladesh of the people, and the country will run on the public's verdict," he asserted.

Tarique concluded by urging the electorate to vote on February 12 for representatives who will remain accountable to the people.

Following the event in Barishal, the BNP Chairman is scheduled to travel to Faridpur to address another major rally at the Rajendra College ground later this afternoon.