Tarique casts vote, says 100% optimistic about winning
Tarique said that women make up half of the population and that the country cannot progress by leaving them behind
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (12 February) cast his vote and said he and his party are "100% optimistic" about winning.
Speaking to reporters after voting at a polling centre in Gulshan, he said a few "unwanted incidents" had taken place the previous night, but law enforcers had brought the situation under control.
He also urged voters to cast their ballots and thwart any conspiracy to disrupt the electoral process.
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He said restoring and improving law and order would be his top priority if BNP is elected to power.
"If we win and form the government, we will begin work immediately to advance women's development," he said.
Tarique Rahman said he was pleased to be able to exercise his right to vote after a long time. "The people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day for more than a decade," he said, expressing hope that citizens would usher in a new democratic era through their spontaneous participation in the election.
Referring to reports of a few untoward incidents from different parts of the country overnight, Tarique noted that law enforcement agencies had taken firm action to bring the situations under control, which he described as encouraging.
He urged voters and party activists to remain at polling stations throughout the day, saying that active public participation would help thwart any conspiracy.
"If people continue to come to polling centres and exercise their rights throughout the day, Inshallah, any conspiracy can be defeated," he added.
When asked about the election outcome, the BNP chief stated firmly that he and his party are "100% optimistic" about winning.
Rahman also outlined his party's priorities if elected to form the government, placing improvement of law and order at the top of the agenda. "Our main goal will be to ensure that ordinary citizens feel safe in their own country," he said.
Highlighting the importance of women's participation and empowerment, he noted that women make up half of the country's population and that meaningful development is not possible by leaving them behind.
According to the party's election manifesto, initiatives to properly evaluate and empower women would begin from the very first day in office.
