Tarique Rahman Urges Voters to Protect Their Democratic Rights

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a large election rally on Thursday in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj, criticising past elections as a mockery of democracy and urging citizens to safeguard their voting rights.

He pledged that a BNP-led government would focus on employment, social welfare, and support for farmers and religious leaders, while ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

Speaking at the proposed Upazila Parishad field, Tarique Rahman said previous elections had deprived citizens, especially young voters, of their right to vote. “Now, the people want to cast their own votes. The BNP will restore that right,” he added.

Tarique emphasized that democracy rests on voters’ rights. “Denial of this right has pushed the country into crisis. Without accountable governance, corruption, unemployment and inequality rise,” he said.

He introduced BNP candidates for Habiganj’s four parliamentary seats—Reza Kibria (Habiganj-1), Dr. Sakhawat Hasan Jibon (Habiganj-2), Alhaj GK Gaus (Habiganj-3) and Syed Md. Faisal (Habiganj-4)—asking voters to support the party’s symbol, “Paddy Sheaf.”

The chairman urged citizens to stay alert until election day to prevent manipulation or interference, warning that conspiracies, including misuse of expatriate postal votes, had already begun.

He outlined BNP’s key pledges: creating employment for millions of educated youth, introducing family cards for all households including tea workers, providing honoraria for imams and muezzins, and launching agriculture cards to lower production costs and ensure fair prices for farmers.

Tarique also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, reminding voters of their historic opposition to democracy in 1971 and cautioning against attempts to influence the election through financial incentives.

“The February 12 election will be an election of fairness, an election of the people. A government formed by the public’s mandate can restore democracy,” he said.

The rally was attended by BNP International Affairs Secretary Ahmed Ali Mukib, local party leaders including Shammi Akhtar Shifas, and candidates from all four Habiganj constituencies.

Tarique had arrived in Sylhet the night before with his wife Zubaida Rahman, visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) before addressing supporters at his in-law’s residence in Biraimpur, South Surma.

Organizers spent over a week preparing the stage and logistics, with security ensured through barricades and tents to manage the expected massive turnout.