A certain party is now bent on obstructing elections: Tarique

Just as people's voting rights were taken away through staged night-time voting during the previous government, in the same way a certain party is now bent on obstructing elections, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (2 February).

"Under the pretext of vote counting, if anyone tries to take undue advantage, they must be resisted," he added while addressing a BNP election rally as the chief guest at the Jashore Upashahar Degree College ground.

Tarique further said, "After the July Uprising, a certain party has been belittling mothers and sisters and wants to confine them to their homes. However, to build the country, men and women must work shoulder to shoulder.

"The leader of one party, in an interview with foreign media, spoke about how he would view women if he came to power, yet that same leader made extremely offensive remarks about working women," he added.

Tarique alleged, "A party that makes such objectionable comments about women will not be able to deliver anything good if it comes to power. They are telling blatant lies before the public by claiming their account was hacked."

The BNP chairman said that former prime minister Khaleda Zia had made girls' education free to educate women, and that if Khaleda Zia's party is able to form the government this time, family cards will be handed over to mothers and sisters.

Referring to plans to re-excavate canals and water bodies in the region, including the Ulashi Canal excavated by former president Ziaur Rahman, and to relaunch the GK project to resolve waterlogging, Tarique said that if BNP forms the government, all projects will be undertaken to change the fortunes of ordinary people.

He further said, "If BNP forms the government, mosque imams, muezzins and priests of other religions will be given state allowances. If the BNP comes to power, it will build the country together with people of all religions."

Making promises of development, Tarique said that if BNP forms the government, initiatives will be taken to export flowers from Jashore abroad and the sugar industries of the region will be revived.

During his speech at the rally, he handed over the sheaf of paddy symbol to BNP-nominated candidates in 22 constituencies across seven districts of the Jashore-Kushtia region and called on people to ensure their victory.

The arrival of Tarique in Jashore generated enthusiasm and excitement among leaders and activists in the region.

A BNP activist named Nurnabi, who came from Jaharpur in Bagherpara, said, "After long sacrifices, the BNP chairman has returned to the country.

"Although I have never seen him directly before, today I will see him in person. He will give various plans from Jashore to build the Bangladesh of the future. His arrival has turned all of Jashore into a festive city."