Tarique seeks votes for 'Sheaf of Paddy', also for 'Spade' in Dhaka-12

“One of those who stood with us on the streets during past movements is contesting here in Dhaka-12 with the Spade symbol. From BNP, we are supporting Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, as our candidate,” he said.

Addressing a roadside rally in Tejgaon Industrial Area under Dhaka-12 seat, Tarique also said Saiful Haque a long-time ally of his party.

“Here in Dhaka-12, a victory for the Spade means a victory for the Sheaf of Paddy. And if the Spade  wins, it will pave the way for development of the area,” he said.

Reminding voters to remain alert, Tarique alleged that a political is once again engaging in conspiracies to manipulate the election.

“We have seen in the past how people’s political rights were taken away. Even now, a political party is engaged in various conspiracies,” he said.

Referring to recent media reports, the BNP chief said a member of that party was caught while attempting to produce fake seals for use in voting.

“That is why I urge voters to stay alert and vigilant so that no one can use fake seals or manipulate the election results through conspiracy,” he said, adding that a victory for Spade would help BNP form the government.

Tarique said if BNP comes to power, the problems highlighted by Saiful Haque in Dhaka-12 will be addressed.

“We must take a pledge today that our future politics will be about rebuilding the country and changing people’s fates and lives,” he said.

The BNP Chairman recalled past movements against autocratic regime and said the next phase os nation-building.

“We fought and removed autocracy in the past. Now it is time to build the country. We must work shoulder to shoulder to achieve that,” he said.

After the rally, Tarique visited the office of daily Dinkal in Tejgaon, where he exchanged greetings with journalists and staff. 

Tarique Rahman is the publisher and editor of the newspaper.

Later at night, around 11:00pm, Tarique addressed another roadside rally in Satarkul, Badda, seeking votes for BNP candidate MA Qyayum in Dhaka-11.

He also focused on the various plans included in his party’s manifesto, aimed at improving people’s welfare and promoting the country’s development.

Recalling that his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who was elected from the same seat in 1991, Tarique urged voters to support MA Qyayum in the February-12 election.

He promised to address the problems faced by the residents of the constituency and ensure its development if the BNP comes to power.

Tarique also called on voters to remain vigilant to prevent any attempts at vote rigging or manipulation of the election results.

On the first day of his Dhaka campaign, Tarique addressed rallies in seven constituencies. 

He began campaigning at around 3:30pm at the ECB Chattar in Dhaka-17, his own constituency, before visiting Dhaka-16, Dhaka-15, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-12 and Dhaka-11.

As his motorcade moved from one constituency to another, party leaders, activists and supporters lined both sides of the roads, welcoming him with applause.

It took him nearly seven and a half hours to complete campaigning across the seven constituencies amid large crowds.

Each roadside rally eventually turned into a large public gathering due to the massive turnout.

At different rallies, Tarique outlined BNP’s plans if it formed the government, saying only BNP has a clear and realistic programme to change people’s lives.

“Many political leaders have come before you and made many promises. But at this moment, only BNP has a concrete plan to change the fate of the people,” he said.

Tarique Rahman also said BNP is the only party with experience in running the country and stated that the upcoming is election crucial for strengthening democracy and rebuilding the nation.

During the campaign, Tarique promised permanent housing for slum dwellers, solutions to waterlogging, construction of hospitals, wider roads, traffic management, playgrounds, and a safe and liveable Dhaka free from terrorism and extortion.

Monday’s Campaign Schedule

Tarique Rahman is set to resume campaigning on Monday morning, starting at 11:00am at Kamal Ataturk Avenue playground in Banani under Dhaka-17. 

He will then address rallies in Dhaka-10, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-6 and Dhaka-7 throughout the day, reports UNB.