Tarique warns BNP of 'something terrible' if unity falters

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged party leaders and activists to prioritise the party and its electoral symbol, the "Sheaf of Paddy," over individual candidates ahead of the upcoming election, warning that a serious setback could follow if unity is not maintained, reports UNB.

"There is no time for us to sit idle. Candidates have already been announced in various areas. For your area, the party has made a decision based on who we thought would do best," he said while speaking virtually at the concluding session of BNP's second day of the 'Plan to Build the Country' programme.

Tarique also noted that perhaps the candidate announced in their area was not the one they personally preferred, or that their connection with the candidate was not very strong.

"But you are not working for the candidate. You are working for your Sheaf of Paddy. The candidate is not the main focus. What matters is that our party, BNP, the Sheaf of Paddy, and the country. If people vote for the Sheaf of Paddy, we will be able to carry out every plan for building the country," he said.

He also said the plans to build the country will not just remain on paper but will be implemented at any cost with people's involvement. "Our promise and our work for the next two months are to involve the people of Bangladesh in these plans. There is no other work beyond this."

Tarique called upon Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to reach out to people in their areas, explain the party's plans, gather support, and mobilise voters.

Urging the younger generation to unite, he said, Bangladesh's immediate future depends on them. If you move forward together, the country has a future. Otherwise, a terrible situation may wait. If we unite and work from our respective positions, the country will move forward."

The six-day programme, titled 'Plans to Build the Country', was announced on November 27 and involves BNP's affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the national election.