Tarique warns against a party's false promises of 'paradise' in BNP's first election rally in Sylhet
Tarique also emphasised national sovereignty, saying, “Over the past 15-16 years, this country was mortgaged to other nations. That is why I say – not Delhi, not Rawalpindi, but Bangladesh first.”
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has warned against a party's false promises of paradise, which he termed "deception" to the people.
"They are claiming to give [people paradise], which is 'shirk' [polytheism or idolatry, violating the core principle of strict Islamic monotheism]. They are deceiving the people," Tarique said in a rally in Sylhet today (22 January) as the BNP kicks off its election campaign.
Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP gathered at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet city today (22 January).
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Tarique Rahman arrived at the rally venue and took to the stage at 12:26pm, drawing cheers from thousands of supporters who had joined the programme in small processions since morning.
As Tarique took the stage, party leaders and activists chanted slogans including "Welcome Tarique Rahman," "Red roses of Sylhet welcome you," and "Vote for the sheaf of paddy, plant the paddy," among others.
Starting his address in the Sylheti dialect, Tarique cautioned voters, saying, "Before the election, a certain party is promising paradise. But paradise belongs to Allah. They are claiming to give it, which is 'shirk' [polytheism or idolatry, violating the core principle of strict Islamic monotheism]. They are deceiving the people.
"They mislead people with false promises. Their role in 1971 led to the deaths of millions. People have seen their true colours."
"Some people say they have seen the other party's rule. This time, give them a chance and see their rule. Dear brothers and sisters, the war of 1971, through which this country gained independence at the cost of millions of lives, liberated our beloved motherland. During that struggle, we saw their roles. Because of the actions of some, millions of our brothers were martyred, and millions of mothers and sisters were dishonoured. The people of Bangladesh have already seen who they are," Tarique added.
Tarique said, "Just as people fought for Bangladesh's independence in 1971, in 2024 people came out onto the streets to defend that freedom.
"Those who fled the country a year ago had suppressed people's voices, snatched away freedom of speech, and persecuted BNP leaders and activists. They looted the country's wealth in the name of development. We want to change this situation."
Tarique criticised the past 15 years of governance, saying, "During the last 15 years, people's right to vote was taken away through night-time elections. We want to stand with our country's farmers. If the sheaf of paddy [BNP's electoral symbol] wins, we will stand with the farmers."
He said, "During the time of the late president Ziaur Rahman, canal excavation was initiated. If we win, we will restart the canal excavation programme."
Tarique also emphasised national sovereignty, saying, "Over the past 15-16 years, this country was mortgaged to other nations. That is why I say – not Delhi, not Rawalpindi, but Bangladesh first."
He outlined plans for women's empowerment and youth development, stating, "Half of our population is female. We want to make them self-reliant by providing every family with a family card. To implement this, and to realise the agriculture card, the sheaf of paddy must be victorious.
"We want to make educated women economically independent and create jobs for the unemployed. We do not want anyone to remain unemployed. We will provide training and language education to young Sylhetis going abroad and help them become skilled. Skilled people will be spread across the world."
Warning against electoral conspiracies, Tarique said, "I have noticed some quarters inside the country starting plots with postal ballots. Just like the fascists once denied voting rights, these conspiracies have begun again. In 2024, the people proved that no conspiracy can succeed if the public take to the streets."
He concluded his speech with a message of determination, "We have freed the country from fascism. Now we must establish the right to vote, rebuild the nation, and make it economically self-reliant. That is why I say once again: We will work, we will build the country, and Bangladesh comes first.
"Inshallah, if BNP wins, we will rebuild the country on the principles of justice and equality, just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advocated."
Addressing the rally, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people of Bangladesh had fought for democracy for the past 15 years.
"There have been enforced disappearances and killings, but people did not bow their heads," he said.
Referring to the party's founding ideology, Fakhrul said, "Ziaur Rahman's vision was Bangladeshi nationalism and the development of Bangladesh.
"Today, from Sylhet, the journey to rebuild Bangladesh has begun anew."
Mirza Fakhrul also warned supporters against what he described as propaganda by rival groups. "There is a party that is spreading various falsehoods against our party and our leader. They do not believe in Bangladesh's independence," he said, urging people to remain vigilant.
Referring indirectly to political opponents, he asked the crowd, "Do you know that party? Will they get votes?"
Last night, many party leaders and activists spent the night at the venue, setting up makeshift tents on one side of the Alia Madrasa ground and resting on tarpaulins.
Since early morning, BNP leaders and activists have been coming to the rally venue from different parts of Sylhet.
In addition, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies from various upazilas of Sylhet have joined the gathering.
BNP supporters were seen arriving wearing single-colour T-shirts printed with the sheaf of paddy symbol, T-shirts bearing images of party Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as carrying party banners.
Party leaders said volunteer teams and discipline committees have been deployed across the ground to ensure the rally proceeds smoothly. Separate entry and exit routes have been arranged to avoid congestion, while law enforcement agencies have put in place multi-layered security measures.
BNP's Sunamganj-1 candidate Kamrul Islam, present at the venue, said a massive turnout has been witnessed since morning. "I am seeing such a large gathering after a long time," he said.
Meanwhile, Sylhet Metropolitan Police has imposed a ban on flying drones over the Alia Madrasa field during the BNP rally, citing security concerns.
Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Saiful Islam said no individual or organisation will be allowed to operate drones during the rally, except law enforcement agencies.
He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the ban.
After concluding the Sylhet rally, Tarique Rahman will address rallies at Ainpur playground in Sherpur of Moulvibazar Sadar upazila, Kuttapara playground in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, a municipal area in Narsingdi, and Gausia in Rupganj of Araihazar upazila in Narayanganj.
Dialogue with youths: BNP vows family cards for 40 million households if voted to power
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said his party would introduce a "family card" programme for 40 million households across the country if it comes to power, with the card to be issued in the name of the female head of each family.
Speaking during an exchange of views with members of the younger generation in Sylhet today (22 January), Tarique Rahman said each cardholder would receive monthly assistance ranging between Tk2,000 and Tk2,500, along with essential food items.
He also said the BNP plans to modernise technical education to enhance multi-dimensional skills among those seeking overseas employment, while placing greater emphasis on teaching foreign languages to improve job prospects abroad.
The discussion was in the conference room of a five-star hotel in Sylhet.
Titled "The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tareque Rahman", the programme saw the BNP chairperson listening to the views and concerns of young participants, while also offering guidance and outlining the party's policy priorities for youth development.
Those present at the event were reportedly general students enrolled in various educational institutions.
Following the discussion session, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to join the BNP's public rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet city.
