BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. File photo

NAOGAON, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today warned that attempts to rig votes are still underway and urged the voters to remain vigilant to protect their voting rights.

Addressing an election rally at Atim Ground in Naogaon district, he said the conspiracy to manipulate votes has not ended. 

"It was a conspiracy by one party and that conspiracy is still not over. One faction has fled the country, but another faction remains. These factions have worked together before and have been secretly united all along," he alleged.

Calling on voters to guard the ballot boxes, Tarique Rahman recalled past election irregularities. 

"Do you remember what happened in 2008? They showed an empty box at one moment and a full box the next. That 'magic' happened before, and it could happen again. So everyone must stay alert," he said.

He also urged voters to offer Tahajjud prayers early on Election Day and then go to polling centers to cast their votes.

Seeking support for the BNP's Sheaf of Paddy candidates, Tarique Rahman said that no real development had taken place over the past 16 years. "There has been no change in the fate of the people of Bangladesh during this period. We want to change the destiny of village people, district towns, and upazila towns, and ensure proper education for our students," he said.

The BNP chairman said the people are the true source of the party's strength. 

"BNP has survived 17 years of repression and oppression because the people stood by us. The presence of thousands of people at today's rally proves that BNP is alive and strong," he added.

He also called for making the Sheaf of Paddy victorious to fulfill local demands, including establishing railway connectivity in Naogaon and providing special incentives to entrepreneurs to set up cold storage facilities for preserving agricultural products.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived in Naogaon by road at 6:10 pm after addressing a rally at Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi at noon. He was greeted with loud applause by thousands of leaders and activists as he took the stage.

Naogaon District BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddiqui Nannu presided over the rally, while General Secretary Mamunur Rahman Ripon conducted the proceedings.

Candidates from Naogaon's six constituencies -- Shamsuzzoha, Zahedul Islam Dhalu, Sheikh Rezaul Islam, Ikramul Bari Tipu, and Mostafizur Rahman -- as well as Joypurhat candidates Abdul Bari and Masud Rana Prodhan, addressed the gathering.

Central BNP leaders Shaheen Shawkat, AHM Obaidur Rahman Chandan, MA Matin, Mahbubur Rahman, Nazmul Hasan, along with leaders of district-level affiliated organizations, also spoke at the rally.

After the programme, Tarique Rahman's motorcade left Naogaon for Bogura at around 7 pm.