BNP Chairman and Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Tarique Rahman addressed a roadside rally in front of BJ Tower at ECB Chattar as part of his election campaign today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Tarique Rahman has sought votes from all as the 'Sheaf of Paddy' candidate, describing himself as a son of that area, while visiting the ECB Chattar in the capital.

"I am a son of this area. I grew up here from childhood. My own and my brother's children were born here. Our weddings also took place here. Therefore, as a son of this area, I am asking mothers, sisters and brothers to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy," he said.

He said these while addressing a roadside rally from a temporary stage set up in front of BJ Tower at ECB Chattar as part of his election campaign today.

Pledging to transform Dhaka into a safe city, Tarique Rahman said he wants a city where women and girls can move freely at any time without fear, and where people can conduct business safely.

"If BNP can form the government with the people's mandate on February 12, I want to turn Dhaka city into a safe one. I want to build a clean and beautiful city where people can breathe freely," he said.

He said if he is entrusted with the responsibility of running the government, he would build 40 playgrounds in Dhaka city where children can play and elders can walk.

Tarique Rahman said people of the area have long expected the road from ECB Square to Jasimuddin to be widened. 

"If you elect me by casting your vote for me, I will definitely ensure the expansion of the road from ECB Chattar to Jasimuddin," he said.

In conclusion, he again made a humble appeal, saying, "I ask for your vote in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy on the 12th."

Earlier, around 3:30 pm, Tarique Rahman arrived at the first roadside rally stage set up in front of BJ Tower at ECB Chattar in his constituency, Dhaka-17. 

Upon arrival, he greeted the local residents by waving his hand, creating a festive atmosphere across the area.

As Tarique Rahman came onto the stage, party leaders and activists chanted slogans such as, "Vote Dibo Kishe, Dhaner Shishe. 12 Tarikh Saradin, Dhaner Shishe Vote Din". With the presence of thousands of leaders and activists, the roadside rally turned into a mass gathering.

Even before 12noon, the presence of curious people began to increase in and around ECB Chattar. From the morning, leaders and activists from the Matikata and Manikdi areas came in groups, carrying "Sheaf of Paddy" and wearing t-shirt printed with the paddy sheaf symbol, gathering at ECB Chattar to join the rally.

Ahead of the rally, law enforcement agencies tightened security measures and conducted searches at key entry points to ensure safety.

After his speech at ECB Chhatar, Tarique Rahman will sequentially participate in rallies in five more parliamentary constituencies in Dhaka North. He is scheduled to speak at 2:40 pm at the "Lal Math" in Pallabi Ward No. 2 of Dhaka-16, at 3:30 pm at Senpara Adarsha Government High School near Mirpur-10 roundabout in Dhaka-15, at 4:20 pm at the gate of National Bangla High School in Dhaka-14, at 5:10 pm at Shyamoli Club Field west of Shyamoli Cinema Hall in Dhaka-13, and at 6:00 pm at Sun Valley Field in Satarkul, Badda, Dhaka-11.

Over two days, the BNP chairman will take part in a total of 14 public rallies in Dhaka. Tomorrow, Monday (9 February), Tarique Rahman will address eight more roadside rallies in Dhaka South City and in his own constituency. This will mark his final election campaign.