BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addresses an election rally at the Mymensingh Circuit House ground on Tuesday. Photo: BSS

MYMENSINGH, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today urged all to stay united like in 1971 to ensure the BNP's victory in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls slated for February 12.

“To build the desired Bangladesh, there will be only slogan and that is-we will work, we will build the nation, Bangladesh above all, he said adding that everyone must remember that Bangladesh will only progress if we remain united.”

The BNP Chairman made this call at an election rally at the Mymensingh Circuit House ground this afternoon.

Tariqe Rahman said, “There was a war in 1971. The youth, you have read about it in books. The elders, those of our age, have seen and know that the country's independence was achieved in that war and many people were martyred in that war”. 
Subsequently, on August 5, 2024, the students, people, and individuals from all professions of this country protected that independence, he added.

He said that due to the absence of voting rights, fundamental problems in different regions of the country have remained unresolved for a long time. 

Although there is a need for reforms in river erosion control, employment generation, bridges and culverts, schools and colleges, roads, and healthcare infrastructure, no effective initiatives have been seen in these areas over the past decade, he said. 

“The reason was only one, there was no voting right. So-called midnight elections did not bring real representatives of the people,” he remarked.

The BNP Chairman further said that because voting rights were taken away, employment opportunities for the youth were not created, women’s safety was not ensured, and necessary manpower and medicine were not supplied in the education and health sectors.

“A guardian wants their child to receive a good education and get employment opportunities. Young people want jobs and safe businesses. When people fall ill, they want timely treatment, these are the basic needs of the people,” said Tarique Rahman.

Referring to the Mymensingh region as an agriculture-based area, he said there are huge potentials in agriculture and fisheries, including fish fry cultivation. 
“If BNP forms the government, plans will be implemented to increase employment, including exporting fish fry abroad,” he added.

On introduction of a ‘Farmer Card’, he said fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides will be delivered directly to farmers through the cards.

Speaking about women’s empowerment, he said that during the time of Khaleda Zia, free education for girls from class one to class twelve was introduced. 
“Continuing that legacy, if BNP forms the government, a ‘Family Card’ will be introduced to support housewives and poor families”.

Regarding the health sector, Tarique Rahman said that district and upazila hospitals will be expanded and village-based healthcare services will be strengthened. 

“Arrangements will be made so that mothers and children can receive primary treatment at home,” he said.

On the issue of drugs, Tarique Rahman said the main solution is employment. By making young people skilled through vocational and IT training, they will get job opportunities at home and abroad and stay away from drugs.

Besides, the BNP Chairperson introduced 23 party candidates from Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, and Sherpur holding the Sheaf of Paddy.

“I entrust you with the responsibility, please give them the opportunity to serve you by making them victorious,” he told the gathering.

As part of the nationwide election campaign, Tarique Rahman arrived in Mymensingh by road in the afternoon. 

Leaders and activists from the four districts of Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, and Sherpur gathered at the vast Circuit House ground.

Presided over by convener of the Southern District and candidate for Mymensingh-5 constituency Zakir Hossain Babul, City BNP Member Secretary Rukonuzzaman Sarkar and Joint Convener of the Northern District Motahar Hossain conducted the rally.