Staff Reporter:
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday called on voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy in the 12 February national parliamentary election and to vote “Yes” in the referendum in favour of reforms.
“We must respect the July Charter we signed. That is why I request you all that just as you put the stamp on the sheaf of paddy on 12 February, you should also give your verdict in favour of ‘Yes’ on the second ballot paper that will have the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ options,” he said.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing a BNP divisional election rally as the chief guest at the historic Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur at around 8:45pm.
He said rebuilding the country would require collective effort, adding that if people’s support remains with the sheaf of paddy, the northern region would no longer lag behind in development.
The BNP chairman said that if the party forms the government, it will begin work from 13 February to build the Bangladesh envisioned by July martyr Abu Sayed.
He alleged that no meaningful steps have been taken to change people’s lives and said that coal extraction in the Rangpur region could pave the way for significant development in the area.
Tarique also said that if BNP comes to power, the government will pay off the liabilities of people who have taken microloans from registered NGOs.
He said the 2024 mass uprising was not led by any particular political party but took place through the participation of ordinary people. He urged voters to go to polling centres on election day and choose the right candidate.
Calling for support for the party’s plans, Tarique urged voters to cast their ballots in favour of the sheaf of paddy, asking them to arrive at polling centres early in the morning, perform prayers and stand in line to vote.
