BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged supporters to remain “united like 1971” to secure the party’s victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.
Addressing a massive rally at the Circuit House grounds in Mymensingh in the afternoon, Tarique said the 1971 Liberation War had been fought with unity and sacrifice. “The younger generation may have read about it in books, while the elders among us witnessed it firsthand. Independence was achieved through that war, at the cost of many lives. Later, on August 5, 2024, people from all walks of life—students and ordinary citizens alike—came forward to defend that freedom,” he said.
Drawing parallels between the two movements, Tarique added: “Whether it was 1971 or the movement of 2024, no one asked who was from the hills or the plains, or who belonged to the majority community. People stood shoulder to shoulder. No one questioned religion—Muslims, Christians, or followers of other faiths. This time too, on the 12th, we must stand united in the elections, regardless of religion or caste.”
Emphasizing the importance of unity, he said that standing together—as in the struggle for independence and the movement against autocracy—was essential to shaping the country’s future. “If we remain united, then, God willing, we can lead Bangladesh towards the future we have envisioned,” he said.
Tarique called for a single guiding slogan to realise that vision: “Work will be done, the country will be built, Bangladesh first.” He said unity was the key to national progress, people-centred governance, and ensuring accountability.
“Let us pledge today to transform Bangladesh into a country for its people. Together, we can make it happen. The message is simple: work will be done, the country will be built, Bangladesh first,” he added.
During the rally, Tarique formally introduced BNP’s 23 candidates from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, and Sherpur, handing them the party symbol—the sheaf of paddy—and calling on supporters to ensure their victory.
As part of his nationwide campaign, Tarique arrived in Mymensingh by road in the afternoon. Thousands of party leaders and activists from the four districts gathered at the Circuit House grounds. His convoy underwent heavy security checks before reaching the venue, where he was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman.
Tarique also urged voters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots. “When voting begins, cast your vote immediately. But do not leave right away. You must remain alert at the polling stations. For years, people have been denied a fair opportunity to vote, and ballots were often manipulated or stolen. This time, we must ensure our votes are protected,” he said.
Asking the crowd whether they were prepared to remain vigilant, he received a collective “Yes” in response, to which he replied: “Inshallah.”
He briefly outlined BNP’s election pledges, including family cards for women, farmer cards, health cards for all citizens, and measures to address unemployment, urging voters to support candidates contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol.
The rally was presided over by Zakir Hossain Babul, BNP district convenor and Mymensingh-5 candidate, and moderated by Rukunuzzaman Sarkar and Motahar Hossain. Speeches were also delivered by the 23 candidates, BNP Organizing Secretary Shariful Alam, and other district and city leaders.
