Jamaat's tactics before election threaten national interest: Tarique

Accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of misleading voters through unethical practices, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman warned that those who resort to such tactics before an election can 'sell the country' if given a chance to come to power.

"I want to warn everyone that some quarters are still trying to obstruct the election in different ways. Their (Jamaat's) people are going door to door, especially to mothers and sisters, trying to collect their NID and bKash numbers to confuse and deceive them," he said while speaking at an election rally in Tangail today (31 January).

The BNP leader urged people to inform family members and elders if they notice such activities. "If anyone tries to do these unethical acts before the election, they must be stopped. Those who can do this before voting will sell the country if they get the chance."

Tarique said the coming days are crucial for rebuilding the country. "The next days are for nation-building, for changing people's lives and for a new beginning. "If we stay united and alert, no one will be able to take away our rights, Inshallah."

He also advised voters to prepare in advance to go to polling centres early on the election day. "Make sure you go early so no one can cast a vote in your name," Tarique said, urging party supporters to keep a close watch on polling centres to prevent fake voting.

The BNP chief said people must keep a close watch on their respective polling centres to ensure that genuine voters can cast their ballots and that no one from another area votes using someone else's name.

During the rally, Tarique introduced BNP candidates from Tangail, including Swapan Fakir, Abdus Salam Pintu, Obaidur Haque Nasir, Lutfur Rahman Motin, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Rabiul Alam Lablu, Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui and Ahmed Azam Khan, and asked voters to ensure their victory.

Addressing local development issues, he said BNP would work to meet Tangail's demands if elected and highlighted the region's heritage and economic potential, including Tangail sarees, caps and agricultural products.

"If we plan properly, Tangail sarees can be exported worldwide just like garments," the BNP chairman said.

He said the prayer caps people wear during prayers are made in Tangail and are exported to many countries around the world.

If proper initiatives are taken, Tarique said, many more people could be employed in this sector, adding that with planned efforts, Tangail could gradually be transformed into an industrial city.

He also spoke about creating jobs through small industries, developing jute mills, fruit-processing factories and building a barrage on the Jamuna River.

"If we work together with proper planning, we can bring change not only to Tangail but to the whole country.  "But for that, the people—the true owners of the country—must stand with BNP. "If you support BNP, and move BNP forward, then, Inshallah, we will gradually be able to change the fate of the people of this country," Tarique said.

The rally was chaired by district BNP president Hasanuzzaman Shahin and conducted by former acting general secretary Mahmudul Haque Sabu. Several central BNP leaders also spoke at the event.

As part of his election campaign in the northern region, Tarique addressed election rallies in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur and Sirajganj and Tangail over just two days.

With the rally in Tangail, the BNP chairman concluded his electioneering in the northern region and left for Dhaka around 6:30pm.