BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday warned that a “vote-rigging conspiracy” by a party has not yet ended and urged voters to remain vigilant to protect their votes in the upcoming national election.
“The conspiracy of one party has not ended yet. One party has fled the country, but there is another one still there. These two sides were together before, and at different times they acted together, quietly, behind the scenes,” he said.
Addressing an election rally at the Atim Field in Naogaon, Tarique alleged that over the past 16 years, this party was never seen in the field or in movements, yet they remained aligned internally with Awami League and are now trying to manipulate the election.
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“So you must keep your eyes and ears open so that no one can divert your votes through conspiracy,” he told the BNP leaders and workers.?
Tarique asked voters to guard ballot boxes until the end of vote counting, recalling alleged irregularities in past elections.
“Do you remember what happened in 2008? Sometimes empty boxes were shown, sometimes full boxes appeared like magic. So you must remain alert,” he said.
The BNP chief specifically urged voters in Naogaon and Joypurhat to go to polling centres early on election day, February 12.
“Offer Tahajjud prayers, then perform Fajr prayers in front of the polling centres, and once the centres open, stand in line and start voting,” he said.
In an oblique reference to previous controversial elections, Tarique warned against attempts to repeat tactics such as ‘dummy’ or ‘night-time’ voting.
“You have seen lines that do not move, while votes are stamped inside. You must stay cautious about these tricks,” he said.
Read More: Tarique Rahman warns of possible plot to disrupt national election
Seeking votes for BNP candidates contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, Tarique said there has been no real development or improvement in people’s lives over the past 16 years.
“Yes, there have been flyovers and big buildings in Dhaka and a few other cities. There were mega projects, but mega projects only meant mega corruption,” he said.
Tarique said BNP wants to change the fate of people in villages, district towns and upazilas, ensure education for students, empower women, create jobs for unemployed youth and ensure a safe environment where people can move freely, do business safely and sleep peacefully at night.
“If we want to create such a situation, we need everyone’s support. If people stand by us, no one can stop the change,” he said.
Tarique said BNP believes that people are the source of all power. “BNP knows that people are with the party. That is why, despite repression and persecution for 17 years, BNP still stands strong. The proof is the huge turnout at today’s rally.
Read More: Tarique Rahman appeals to voters, highlights BNP’s track record
He also promised initiatives including railway connectivity for Naogaon, cold storage facilities for agricultural produce, and special incentives for entrepreneurs in agro-based industries.
Tarique arrived in Naogaon by road around 6:10pm after holding a rally at the Rajshahi Madrasa Field earlier in the day.
Thousands of leaders and activists welcomed him with applause as he took the stage.
The rally was presided over by Naogaon BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddiqui Nannu and conducted by General Secretary Mamunur Rahman Ripon.
Candidates from Naogaon’s six constituencies — Shamsuzzoha, Zahedul Islam Dhalu, Sheikh Rezaul Islam, Ekramul Bari Tipu and Mostafizur Rahman — along with Joypurhat candidates Abdul Bari and Masud Rana also spoke at the rally.
After the rally, Tarique Rahman’s convoy left for Bogura around 7:00pm.