BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday apologised to the nation for what he described as unintended mistakes made during the party's previous tenures in government and sought voters' support in the 13th general election to build a safe, accountable and self-reliant Bangladesh.
In a televised address broadcast on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, Tarique acknowledged shortcomings during BNP's past governance.
"While running the state, there may have been some unintentional mistakes and limitations. For that, I sincerely express my regret to the people," he said.
Saying the party has learned from past experiences, he urged voters to back BNP's election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, to implement its political, social and economic programmes.
"For the country, for you and your family, I have prepared plans. To implement them, I seek your vote," he said.
Tarique stressed that no country can progress if its people remain weak or if women-half of the population-are excluded from politics and governance. He promised a responsible and answerable government and vowed strict action against corruption if BNP comes to power.
"There is no alternative to making the state accountable to the people," he said, adding that citizens are the party's primary source of strength.
Referring to the January 7, 2024 election, which he termed a "dummy election" under fascism, Tarique recalled urging people to stay home at the time. "Now, in a fascism-free Bangladesh, I appeal to everyone-especially first-time voters-to cast their vote for the paddy sheaf on February 12," he said.
He said voters would choose their representatives on election day, while elected MPs would assume responsibility from the following day. He pledged to ensure lawmakers fulfil their duties properly and govern based on justice and accountability.
Addressing a series of election rallies across several Dhaka constituencies, including Dhaka-17, Dhaka-8 and Dhaka-9, Tarique criticised corruption and infrastructure neglect over the past 15 years and called for rebuilding the country through collective effort.
"We have said goodbye to dictatorship. Now we must work together to rebuild the state," he said, citing challenges such as unemployment, education reform and infrastructure development.
Reiterating BNP's pledge to create one crore jobs within five years, Tarique described youth unemployment as a nationwide crisis. Calling February 12 a historic opportunity, he urged voters to give BNP another chance to govern, saying the party aims to learn from past mistakes and build on its successes to secure a better future for the country.
