Reach polling centres before Fajr to safeguard votes: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (22 January) urged his party leaders, activists and voters to go to polling centres before Fajr prayers on the election-day to prevent any vote rigging.

"Many people say voters should stand in line after Fajr prayers on the election-day. I say this time you should wake up earlier, offer Tahajjud prayers and then prepare to go to the polling centre," he said.

Addressing his party's third election rally at Shayestaganj upazila parishad ground in Habiganj, the BNP chairman also said, "If needed, go to the polling centre early and offer Fajr prayers there in congregation before casting your votes."

Calling the upcoming election very important, he said only BNP can change the fate of the people, and for that, voters must cast their votes for the party.

In an indirect reference to Jamaat-e-Islam, Tarique alleged that a political party is trying to steal the votes of expatriates. "They worked against the Liberation War. Everyone must remain alert and cautious about them."

Tarique said those who claim to establish an honest rule do not need to be newly identified, as the people of the country recognised them during the Liberation War.

The BNP chairman also said Bangladesh belongs to its people, not to any individual or group.

"This country is owned by the people. It is not anyone's personal property. The thousands of people sitting in front of me are the real owners of this country. You have to decide how you want the country to be run, and you must give that decision through your vote," he said.

Earlier, the BNP chairman's motorcade reached Shayestaganj shortly before Maghrib prayers. After arriving at the venue, Tarique Rahman went on stage and offered Maghrib prayers in congregation.

Addressing the rally, Tarique alleged that even before the election, a political party has been collecting bKash account numbers and National Identity (NID) card details from men and women in rural areas. "But they claim they want to establish governance by honest people."

Tarique also said there has been no real voting or elections in the country over the last 15 years. "For the past 15 years, elections have been a mockery. People were not able to vote in so-called elections."

The BNP leader said many young people in the country have never been able to vote since reaching voting age. "We want people to be able to vote freely on 12 February."

Tarique urged voters to elect candidates whom they can approach and speak to about local problems.

Referring to development, the BNP chairman said no real progress was made in the region during the previous government's tenure. "Just look at the condition of the highway to understand the situation. The condition of village roads must be even worse."

Tarique alleged that the country has been ruined over the last 15 years and that public money has been siphoned off abroad. "To save the country from widespread corruption, people must come forward. The people themselves must decide who will run the country in the coming days."

Outlining BNP's plans, Tarique said if BNP comes to power, family cards would be introduced for poor rural households.

He said BNP will provide technical training and send skilled workers abroad, introduce agriculture cards to help farmers get fertiliser and seeds, and launch crop insurance.

The BNP chairman also said government honorariums will be introduced for imams, khatibs and muezzins.

Earlier in the day, at around 1pm, he formally began his election campaign at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After addressing a rally there, he travelled by road to Sherpur in Moulvibazar to speak at another gathering.