MYMENSINGH, Jan 27: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged people, regardless of caste, creed or religion, to remain united -- as they did in 1971 and during the July Uprising -- to ensure his party's victory in the February 12 election and rebuild the country.
"We achieved independence through immense sacrifice during the 1971 Liberation War. Later, on August 5, 2024, students and people from all walks of life once again came forward to defend that freedom," he said, reports UNB.
Speaking at a massive rally at the Mymensingh Circuit House grounds, the BNP chief also said that in both 1971 and 2024, people stood shoulder to shoulder without asking, "Who came from the hills or the plains, or who was Muslim, Christian, or from another faith?"
"This time, on February 12, we must stand united again. If we remain united, just as we won independence and removed autocracy, we will be able to build the Bangladesh we dream of," he told the crowd.
Tarique said rebuilding Bangladesh in line with people's aspirations requires one slogan: "Work for the country, build the nation; Bangladesh above everything."
"Bangladesh will move forward only if we remain united. Only through unity can people's rule be established and accountability ensured. Let us pledge today to transform Bangladesh into a country truly run by its people," he added.
Tarique introduced 24 BNP candidates from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, and Sherpur, handing them the party's paddy sheaf symbol.
"I am entrusting them to you. Make them victorious so they can serve you," said the BNP chairman.
Accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Tarique arrived in Mymensingh by road around 3:30pm as part of his nationwide election campaign.
Thousands of party leaders and supporters from the four districts gathered at the Circuit House grounds, where security personnel struggled to clear the way for his motorcade.
Before taking the stage, Tarique spoke with family members of those killed and injured in the July Uprising and in democratic movements against Sheikh Hasina over the last 17 years. He shook hands with them and expressed his sympathy.
Zubaida Rahman was also present on stage but did not speak; she was seen repeatedly waving to the crowd, visibly moved by the reception.
Calling for early voter turnout, Tarique asked party supporters to line up at polling centres from dawn on election day.
"When voting begins, you must vote early. But you must not leave after voting."
"You must stay at the polling centres and ensure votes are properly counted. For many years, we were denied the right to vote, and votes were stolen in different ways. This time, we must remain alert so that no one can steal our votes," he said.
The BNP chief sought a pledge from the crowd to guard polling stations. When supporters responded loudly with 'Yes', Tarique replied, "Inshallah."
Tarique briefly outlined BNP's plans if elected, including family cards for women, farmer cards for farmers, health cards for all, and initiatives to reduce unemployment.
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