United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed satisfaction after casting his vote, saying he is fully confident about his party’s victory in the national election. He cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College centre in the capital around 9:40pm. Talking to reporters afterwards, Tarique said people in Bangladesh have been waiting for this day for more than a decade. He expressed the hope that the voters would exercise their franchise freely and help begin a new democratic journey for the country. Referring to some unwanted incidents reported from different parts of the country on Wednesday night, Tarique said law enforcement agencies took strict steps to control the situation, which he found encouraging. He urged voters and party leaders and activists to stay at the polling centres until the end of voting. “If people remain at the centres throughout the day and exercise their rights, Inshallah any conspiracy can be resisted,” Tarique said. When asked about the election outcome, Tarique said he and his party are '100 per cent hopeful' of winning. Responding to a question about his expectations, Tarique said, “Inshallah, I am optimistic. I am firmly optimistic. I personally and firmly believe that if the people of Bangladesh come out throughout the day and exercise their rights by casting their votes, then Inshallah it will be possible to thwart any conspiracy.” Asked about his party’s priorities if it wins the election, the BNP chief said improving the law and order situation would be the top priority. “We have said before that if we win, our highest priority will be improving the country’s law and order situation so that people feel safe. The general people across the country must feel secure. That will be our main focus,” he said. Festive mood marks peaceful start to national election across Bangladesh Tarique said women constitute half of the country’s population and cannot be left behind. “Half of Bangladesh’s population are women. We cannot move forward by leaving them behind. In our manifesto and in our commitments regarding women’s empowerment and development, we have outlined our plans. If we are able to form the government, we will start working on these issues from the very first day, Inshallah,” he said. “We hope that together we will be able to usher in a new democracy in Bangladesh, which has long been the expectation of the people,” he added. He expressed the hope for a beautiful and stable future with everyone together. Earlier, Tarique Rahman cast his vote at a ground-floor booth of the polling centre. It was for the first time he voted at the centre. Previously, in 2001, he was a voter at Adamjee Cantonment Public School and College centre in Dhaka Cantonment. Tarique is contesting the election with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol from Dhaka-17 constituency. He is also running from Bogura-6. His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima Rahman also cast their votes at the same centre. This is Zaima’s first time voting. Around 9:40am, Tarique entered the polling centre along with his wife and daughter. His chief election agent Abdus Salam and Prof Farhad Halim Donar were present at the centre to welcome him.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spent a busy Tuesday after wrapping up his election campaigning by remaining engaged in organisational and coordination activities. Throughout the day, Tarique spoke over the phone with party leaders, activists and candidates across the country to take updates on the overall situation in different constituencies, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. Rumon said the BNP chief arrived at his office around noon, where he also spoke with several foreign journalists and carried out organisational work. “The BNP chairman is currently working from his Gulshan office. Since morning, he has been receiving updates from candidates across the country and speaking directly with party leaders and activists. He wanted to know about the overall situation nationwide,” Rumon said in the afternoon. He said Tarique remained busy throughout the day, while the party’s election messages were also sent across the country through SMS and voice calls. In the evening, Rumon said, the BNP chief is scheduled to attend an exchange-of-views meeting with foreign journalists at a hotel in Banani. Tarique Rahman is leading BNP in the 13th parliamentary election. In this election, BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, is contesting 291 seats, while the party has reached seat-sharing arrangements with like-minded parties in nine constituencies. Key in your hands, use it wisely: Prof Yunus tells voters Tarique conducted continuous electioneering that began on January 22 from Alia Madrasah in Sylhet. He later addressed election rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, Narayanganj’s Mouchak, Chattogram, Feni, Cumilla’s Chauddagram, Sonagazi, Daudkandi, Narayanganj’s Sonargaon, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Uttara in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur, Sirajganj, Tangail, Barishal, Faridpur, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari and Dinajpur, as well as 14 constituencies in Dhaka. Overall, Tarique Rahman addressed 41 public rallies across Dhaka and other parts of the country over nine days. He formally wrapped up his election campaign by visiting the graves of his parents at around 11:00 pm on Monday.

Regretting the party’s unintended mistakes in running the country in the past, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters to cast their votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ on February-12 election to create a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh by implementing all its plans and programmes. “In the past, with your support, BNP had governed the country several times. While running the state during those periods, there might have been some unintentional mistakes and shortcomings on our part in certain areas. For that, I sincerely express my regret to the people of the country,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the February-12 elections. Tarique said learning from past mistakes and building on the party’s achievements, he once again sought support in the national election on February 12 to build a safe Bangladesh for the present and future generations. “For the country and its people, and for you and your family members, I have made various plans, and to implement each of these plans I ask for your support and your vote for the sheaf of paddy,” he said. After his return from abroad, the BNP chief said he made every effort to reach out to people across the country in the limited time available. “I have received your love. I have felt your affection and support for BNP. February 12 will be a day to express your love for BNP once again.” Mentioning the role of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in developing the country and restoring democracy, Tarique said, “My humble appeal to everyone that if you love Shaheed Zia, if you love the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia, and if you love independence and democracy, then vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming national election on February 12.” He said the victory of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ will mean the victory of Bangladesh and will ensure a free, sovereign, and independent country. “To continue the success journey of Shaheed Zia and country leader Begum Khaleda Zia, I, together with my party’s leaders and activists, have long been preparing, hands-on, to implement BNP’s political, social, and economic programmes.” The BNP chief said there is no alternative to strictly controlling corruption, establishing the rule of law, and ensuring the accountability of the state and the government to the people in order to implement every plan. “If I get your support in governing the state, the government in the coming days will be accountable to the people. The BNP government, Insha’Allah, will be as strict as possible in controlling corruption in the country. The rule of law will be re-established, Insha’Allah. This is my commitment, and BNP’s commitment, to the people of the country. The reason for my commitment to you is that you are the source of all political power of the BNP,” he said. The pre-recorded speech was aired at 7:15pm on Monday. In his 37-minute address, the BNP chief also outlined his party’s various plans and programmes included in the election manifesto. He recalled that during what he described as the fascist period and the so-called January 7, 2024 election, he had urged citizens to spend the day with their families. Referring to the upcoming national election in a “fascism-free Bangladesh,” he called on voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy throughout February 12 and encouraged young voters to dedicate their first vote to the BNP’s electoral symbol. He urged democracy-loving citizens to take responsibility for BNP candidates on the election day, saying elected BNP MPs will assume responsibility for the people from the following day, while he himself will ensure that representatives properly fulfill their duties. Tarique reiterated that if the BNP received the public mandate to govern, the party’s guiding principle would be justice inspired by the ideals of the Prophet. “February 12 is the day for establishing the rights of the people of Bangladesh. I pray to Allah for the victory of the sheaf of paddy. Vote for the sheaf of paddy throughout the day on February 12,” he said. Tarique also stressed a vision of a safe Bangladesh for all citizens, irrespective of religion or region, upholding freedom of belief and protection for minorities. Tarique slams rivals, says running a country requires plan, not rhetoric “During the 1971 Liberation War, no one asked about anyone’s religion. In the 2024 struggle to protect freedom, nobody asked about anyone’s religion or religious identity. We believe religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone. Each citizen can practise their faith according to their belief,” he said. Stating that ensuring peace and security for all citizens is the state’s responsibility, the BNP chief said, “Over the past 55 years, the democratic-minded people of Bangladesh have rejected authoritarianism, religious extremism and radicalism.” He said everyone can work together to build a safe and secure Bangladesh by respecting each person’s religious beliefs and cultural practices. The BNP chairman said this vision reflected the ground-breaking political philosophy--Bangladeshi nationalism—of the country’s independence proclaimer Ziaur Rahman. He also said Bangladesh belonged to its people, regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity, and all the country’s citizens are Bangladeshis. He highlighted BNP’s commitment to supporting religious leaders across faiths, including financial assistance for imams, khatibs, and moazzins. With the support of people, Tarique said, the BNP had had the opportunity to run the state many times in the past. He said their party founder Ziaur Rahman, after taking on the responsibility of running the country, transformed Bangladesh into a self-reliant nation and had to sacrifice his life for the country’s interest. “My mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, honored the trust given to her by the people, endured imprisonment without compromise, and remained committed to Bangladesh’s welfare. She could have avoided imprisonment, but her heart was with the nation,” the BNP chief observed. In a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said Khaleda Zia wanted to re-establish democracy in the country and ensure the rights of the people. “The time has come for Khaleda Zia’s aspiration to be fulfilled before the freedom-loving democratic people of the country. February 12 will be the day for the establishment of the state and government.” Tarique outlined BNP’s key manifesto promises, including: family cards for women-headed households, farm cards for farmers, employment for the unemployed, financial support until employment is secured, reinstating faith and trust in Allah in the constitution, introducing a card for overseas Bangladeshis, and providing loan facilities to support citizens want to work abroad. He stated the previous the fallen, defeated fascist forces had rendered all constitutional and statutory institutions of the country ineffective and completely politicised the administration. BNP only party capable of rebuilding country, says Tarique Rahman The BNP leader said under BNP’s governance, every constitutional institution will operate according to constitutional rules, and administration will not be politicised; instead, rules of administration and promotions will be based on merit and ability. Tarique also mentioned that if public administration is not established on a proper foundation, no productive outcomes can be achieved. “We have already stated in our manifesto presented to the people that if the BNP assumes the responsibility of running the government based on the people’s verdict, the national pay scale for government officers and employees will be announced and implemented in a timely manner,” he said. He concluded his speech with a religious invocation, appealing for blessings and welfare for all citizens: “More than 90 percent of Bangladeshis are Muslims. Our prayer to Allah is: O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of Hell.” He said late president Ziaur Rahman had enshrined full trust in Almighty Allah in the constitution which was removed by the previous despotic government. “With Allah’s mercy, if BNP is entrusted to govern after February 12, full trust in Allah will be reinstated in the constitution, Inshallah.” Tarique Rahman urged the country’s people to be vigilant against attempts to mislead the faithful and concluded his address by appealing to the people to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy in the upcoming election.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters across the country to cast their ballots in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, saying that the BNP is the only political party with the experience, vision and practical plans needed to rebuild the nation. “BNP is the only party that knows how to run the state properly. We have the experience, the plans and the proven record to move Bangladesh forward,” he said while addressing an election rally at Kamal Ataturk Avenue playground in Banani under his Dhaka-17 constituency. Tarique said Bangladesh witnessed severe hardship after independence, recalling the 1974 famine in which lakhs of people died. He said the situation changed under the leadership of late President Ziaur Rahman. “A country that once suffered famine later achieved food self-sufficiency and even exported food during President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure,” the BNP chief said. Recalling political developments of the 1990s, Tarique said that after years of autocratic rule, the people entrusted BNP with state responsibility under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “Bangladesh then transformed into an emerging tiger through various reforms, and thousands of industries were established,” he added. The BNP chief said if voters elected the Sheaf of Paddy, his party’s election symbol, in the February 12 election, the party would use its past experience to rebuild the country and address current challenges. “Our main task now is state reconstruction. We have driven out authoritarianism. The next goal is to rebuild the country,” he said. Tarique identified unemployment, particularly among educated youth, as one of the biggest challenges facing the nation. Tarique said the country is heading towards a long-awaited election. “In two days, Insha’Allah, the much-expected election of Bangladesh will be held. Over the last 16 years, many people have been killed for this election. We have seen during the July movement how many lives were lost,” he said. The BNP leader urged people to give BNP the opportunity to implement its plans and programmes.“BNP will build the country together with the people. Speaking as the Dhaka-17 candidate, Tarique said Khaleda Zia had previously been elected from the constituency and highlighted his personal connection with the area. “This time, I am the candidate…After the Liberation War of Bangladesh, I was brought up here from 1972. My brother also grew up here. Our family and our children were born in this area,” he said. The BNP Chairman said his mother Khaleda Zia spent her life in the area and passed away there, creating a deep emotional and spiritual bond between his family and the residents. Outlining BNP’s plans if elected, Tarique said public expectations are naturally high, especially from a party like BNP. “We have prepared our plans in line with the expectations of the people so that, if BNP forms the government after the election on the 12 February, we can address the needs of every segment of society,” he said. “There are many challenges ahead. We must create employment for the country’s youth, ensure a better education system for future generations, reduce traffic congestion and repair roads,” he said. Criticising the past pattern of governance, he said mega projects over the last 15 years had resulted in “mega corruption”, underscoring the urgent need for change. “For this change, we seek the support of people. No country can be rebuilt by keeping a large number of young people unemployed. We must create jobs both at home and abroad,” he said. The BNP chairman also promised support for migrant workers, saying many people are forced to sell land or homes to go abroad for work. “If BNP comes to power, we will introduce low-interest loans so expatriate workers can go abroad with dignity and contribute productively to the country,” he said. Seeking votes as the Dhaka-17 candidate, Tarique urged local residents to support him and the party’s candidates across the country. “I am asking for your verdict in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy so that we can change people’s lives and take the country forward,” he said. Referring to his political upbringing, Tarique said he learned from late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia that a nation must be built by its own people. “They always believed that we must build our country ourselves. No one else will do it for us,” he said. On the final day of his election campaign, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address eight rallies across Dhaka, including in his own constituency and seven other parliamentary seats under Dhaka South City. Tarique seeks votes for 'Sheaf of Paddy', also for 'Spade' in Dhaka-12 After the Banani rally, Tarique’s motorcade left for Dhanmondi to address a roadside rally there. He is scheduled to speak at election rallies in Dhaka-10 (Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground), Dhaka-8 (Pir Jangi Mazar Road), Dhaka-9 (Basabo Tarun Sangha ground), Dhaka-5 (Jatrabari Shaheed Faruk Road), Dhaka-4 (Jurain Dayaganj Road), Dhaka-6 (Dhopkhola field) and Dhaka-7 (Lalbagh Balur Math). Tarique began campaigning in Dhaka city on Sunday after concluding his nationwide election campaign. He addressed seven election rallies in the capital the previous day.

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. 

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) urged party leaders and activists to prioritise the party and its electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy,” over individual candidates ahead of the upcoming election, warning that a serious setback could follow if unity is not maintained. “There is no time for us to sit idle. Candidates have already been announced in various areas. For your area, the party has made a decision based on who we thought would do best,” he said while speaking virtually at the concluding session of BNP’s second day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. Tarique also noted that perhaps the candidate announced in their area was not the one they personally preferred, or that their connection with the candidate was not very strong. “But you are not working for the candidate. You are working for your Sheaf of Paddy. The candidate is not the main focus. What matters is that our party, BNP, the Sheaf of Paddy, and the country. If people vote for the Sheaf of Paddy, we will be able to carry out every plan for building the country,” he said. Read more: Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman He also said the plans to build the country will not just remain on paper but will be implemented at any cost with people’s involvement. “Our promise and our work for the next two months are to involve the people of Bangladesh in these plans. There is no other work beyond this.” Tarique called upon Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to reach out to people in their areas, explain the party’s plans, gather support, and mobilise voters. Urging the younger generation to unite, he said, Bangladesh’s immediate future depends on them. If you move forward together, the country has a future. Otherwise, a terrible situation may wait. If we unite and work from our respective positions, the country will move forward.” The six-day programme, titled ‘Plans to Build the Country’, was announced on November 27 and involves BNP’s affiliated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the national election. Conspiracies underway to undermine democracy: Tarique Rahman BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin inaugurated the second day’s programme in the morning, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country joined the programme so they can explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises to the people ahead of the polls. The programme highlighted BNP’s detailed plans for the country, including canal excavation, air pollution control, environmental improvement, waste management, nationwide sports development, education, health, reducing unemployment, and social support initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and Health Card. Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take these plans directly to people. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

BNP will formally start the distribution of its nomination papers from tomorrow (Tuesday) to those who want to contest the upcoming first phase of elections to 25 municipalities with the party’s election symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.

BNP has picked its Chattogram city unit president Dr Shahdat Hossain as its mayoral candidate to contest the upcoming elections to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said people are eagerly waiting for casting their votes for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the elections to Dhaka north and south city corporations.