United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday night said voters will not allow “vote robbery” in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election on 12 February, urging people to remain vigilant at polling centres from early morning. “On 12 February you must go to the polling centres. When will you go? Not after Fajr prayers, but you will pray Fajr in congregation in front of your polling stations so that no one can take position beforehand,” he said. Speaking at an election rally at Bhawal Rajbari field in Gazipur while returning from Mymensingh, Tarique also warned that voters must keep a close watch so that no one enters polling booths in advance. “For the last 15–16 years you have seen how your voting rights were looted in this area and across Bangladesh. This time, will you allow vote robbery? You will not allow it,” he said. The BNP Chairman recalled the participation of Gazipur residents during last year’s movement. “The people of Gazipur proved their strength. Thousands of people came to Dhaka in 2024 during the movement. Gazipur played a big role in restoring democracy and protecting freedom,” he said. Tarique said his childhood has personal links with the city. “Before the Liberation War I spent my childhood in this Bhawal field. I ran here, played here. My early days passed in this area. So, the people of Gazipur also have a duty to make the sheaf of paddy victorious.” He said the movement has taken place, the struggle has taken place and the autocrat has left. “Now it is time to build the country and change the fate of the people. We must work hard and remain united. If we stay united and work, Inshallah we will gradually build the Bangladesh we aspire to.” Introducing BNP candidates from all five constituencies in Gazipur — Mojibur Rahman (Gazipur-1), M Monjurul Karim Rony (Gazipur-2), SM Rafiqul Islam Bacchu (Gazipur-3), Shah Riazul Hannan (Gazipur-4) and Fazlul Haque Milon (Gazipur-5) — Tarique urged voters to support them on 12 February. Tarique outlined several plans for Gazipur including new industrial establishments, ‘Family Cards’ for women, daycare centres at factories for workers’ children, a flyover over Joydebpur rail crossing to ease traffic, canal excavation and ‘Farmer Cards’ for agricultural support. “To implement these plans, the sheaf of paddy must win. If the candidates are made victorious, then the flyover, canal digging, and workers’ housing will be possible,” he said.

BNP on Wednesday alleged that the elections to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) were marred by “unprecedented vote robbery’ and violence”.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that Awami League (AL) candidates snatched the victory in Saturday’s municipal polls by indulging in ‘vote robbery ‘.

Jatiya Oikyafront senior leaders on Sunday accused the ruling Awami League of committing an act of ‘treason’ by indulging in ‘vote robbery’ on December 29, the night before the 11th parliamentary election last year.