BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed an election rally as the chief guest in Shyamoli, the capital, on Sunday. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 is a historic opportunity to restore the political rights that the people of Bangladesh were deprived of for the last 16 years.

"The right to vote was snatched away from the people for the past 16 years. Through the sacrifices of many, that right has now returned. This opportunity must not be wasted," he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing an election rally as the chief guest in support of Sheaf of Paddy symbol candidate Bobby Hajjaj in the Dhaka-13 constituency. The rally was held at the Shyamoli Club ground in the capital.

He said that an election is not merely about casting a vote but about the freedom to express opinions and exercise political rights. "So-called elections were held over the past 16 years, but people could not vote freely. This time, citizens will be able to express their views without fear," he said.

The BNP chairman noted that countless people sacrificed their lives over the past 16 years to create this opportunity. Many were victims of enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and permanent injuries. Referring to the July 2024 uprising, he said around 1,400 people were killed, thousands were injured, and many lost their eyesight as autocrats clung to power.

At the rally, he paid deep respect to the families of the July martyrs and the injured fighters who were present.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through the Liberation War, and that independence was protected again in July 2024 through immense sacrifice. "The sacrifices of the freedom fighters and July fighters must not go in vain," he said.

Calling on voters to make their votes meaningful, he said mega projects were undertaken over the past 16 years in the name of development, but people's lives did not improve and local development remained absent. "If real development had taken place, the people of Dhaka-13 would not be facing the problems they are facing today," he added.

He alleged that these projects were carried out primarily for corruption and did not benefit the public. "Through this election, politics aimed at changing people's fortunes must begin," he said.

The BNP chairman said his party has adopted realistic and implementable plans to improve people's lives. "Criticizing political opponents will not benefit the people. What is needed are practical programs, plans, and proper implementation," he said.

If BNP forms the government, he said, it will make only achievable promises. Highlighting women's role in development, he said nearly half of Bangladesh's population are women and development is impossible without their participation.

Recalling former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's initiatives, he said free education expanded women's access to learning. "Today, women are educated. If BNP forms the government, steps will be taken to make women economically self-reliant," he said, adding that self-reliant families would lead to a self-reliant nation.

Speaking on agriculture, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country and announced that a "Farmer Card" would be introduced to strengthen farmers' economic security if BNP comes to power.

Addressing youth unemployment, he said vocational, IT, and technical training would be expanded. To prevent people from selling land and homes to migrate abroad, low-interest microcredit would be provided to trained youth so they can seek overseas employment with dignity.

On healthcare, he announced plans to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to deliver services at people's doorsteps.

Regarding law and order, he said ensuring public safety is essential for development. "If BNP forms the government, law and order will be strictly maintained so people can move freely without fear," he said.

Mentioning Dhaka's chronic waterlogging problem, he said work would begin immediately to restore canals and remove illegal encroachments, with strict action against those responsible.

He further said that if Bobby Hajjaj is elected in Dhaka-13, the area's long-standing housing problems would be resolved.

Tarique Rahman concluded by urging everyone to work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the freedom fighters and the July fighters.