BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday sought votes not only for his party’s electoral symbol 'Sheaf of Paddy' but also for the 'Spade' symbol in the capital, urging voters to support Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque in Dhaka-12 constituency.
“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 Rahman calls vigilance to protect voting rights
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.
