BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will begin his election campaign tomorrow from Sylhet, addressing seven consecutive rallies in different areas.

“Tarique Rahman will arrive in Sylhet tonight at 8:15 pm by air and offer ‘Ziarat’ at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) late at night before joining the first rally tomorrow morning at the Sylhet Aliya Madrasa ground,” said adviser to the BNP chairman, Mahdi Amin here today.

Mahdi Amin also the party’s election steering committee spokesperson revealed this at a press conference held at the BNP’s election office in Gulshan-2, Dhaka this morning.

Following the Sylhet programme, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to speak at rallies in Sherpur’s Ainpur field in Moulvibazar, the proposed Upazila ground in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, Kuttrapara field in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, a venue near Narsingdi Pourasava, and Gausia in Rupganj, Araihazar, Narayanganj.

Tarique Rahman is expected to return to his Gulshan residence in the capital late at night after completing the day’s programmes.

Mahdi Amin said that the leaders of the BNP, along with its organs and associate bodies, played an impeccable and unprecedented role in the 16-year-long anti-fascist movement and mass uprising. 

Out of respect and affection for their sacrifices, the BNP Chairman has decided to include the top leaders of different organs and associate bodies as his companions during each of his visits, in recognition of their struggle for the country.

He said that during the BNP Chairman’s Sylhet visit, Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rawnakul Islam Shraban, Yasin Ferdous Murad and Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with several other dedicated and struggling young leaders, will accompany him. 

He said more such committed leaders will be included in the upcoming visits, Insha’Allah.

Mahdi Amin said that at the very beginning of the election campaign, at 12:01am on Wednesday night, marking the first moment of January 22, the theme song will be inaugurated at a lakeshore hotel in Dhaka by Member Secretary of the Central Election Steering Committee Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. 

Chief Coordinator of the Election Steering Committee Ismail Zabihullah, other committee members, BNP leaders and distinguished persons will be present on the occasion.

Describing the February 12 election as a very important chapter for Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin said, “We believe that every political party will ensure maximum tolerance and coexistence by giving importance to a positive, beautiful, fair and acceptable election campaign.” 

He added, “We called upon all political parties to fully comply with the election code of conduct so that the long-cherished election reflects the aspirations and expectations of the people.”

He went on, saying “Through collective responsibility and the practice of democracy, this election can set a unique example, Insha’Allah.”

Mahdi Amin said that after Sylhet, the next visit will be to Chattogram, adding that details will be announced later.

Replying to a question from journalists, he said that going door to door to collect voter ID cards and bKash numbers is not desirable in any way. 

He urged people to remain alert in this regard, saying that many people are eager to cast their votes this time.

"We will call on those who are collecting IDs and bKash numbers in this way... to come out of this tactic of political correctness," he added.

Mentioning that level playing field must not be disrupted in any way, he said, “We will call upon party leaders and activists to embrace positive politics in the campaign starting from tomorrow, to reach out to ordinary people, present our plans and counter misinformation with the correct facts.”

Mahdi Amin said they want a free, fair and acceptable election, firmly believing that “if a level playing field is ensured and people’s voting rights are truly respected, the BNP will form the government with the people’s mandate.”

He said they will urge the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and to make the election free from error and controversy.

The Election Commission must ensure that every party follows the election code of conduct, he added, noting that several BNP delegations have already met the Commission and asked it to take a strong stance on these issues.

Members of the party’s Election Steering Committee Mohammad Zakaria, Jubayer Babu and Mostakur Rahman, and Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan were present at the press conference.