Staff Correspondent:
At an election rally organized in support of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Dr. M A Quayum for Dhaka-11 constituency, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said, “Before voting, we need to understand who is on our side. This time, the election will be a vote to see who is on the side of the people.”
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the rally held at Sun Valley Ground in the capital’s Badda’s Satarakul area on Sunday (February 8, 2026) night.
Tarique Rahman said, “It is not enough to just vote in the 12th election, we have to vote properly. Who is on the side of the people of the area, who stands by the people of the country in times of danger—that is the issue to consider this time.”
Commenting on the last three national elections, he said, “There was a drama about votes in the previous three elections. People could not vote. This time the people of the country will vote. Everyone has united for an acceptable election.”
Sternly criticizing the development philosophy of the previous Awami League government, the BNP chairman said, “In the last 16 years, mega corruption has taken place in the name of mega projects. But there has been no change in the fate of the common man. No effective initiative has been seen to improve the standard of living of the people.”
Addressing the voters, he said, “It is not enough to just vote, we have to vote for the right people. We have to see who is on the side of the people and who has experience in running the state. At the moment, only BNP has the experience and clear plan to run the country.”
Regarding the country’s economic crisis and unemployment, Tarique Rahman said, “Huge money has been laundered abroad in the name of development. As a result, a large portion of the youth are unemployed today. If BNP comes to power, this crisis will be solved by creating employment.”
Emphasizing the improvement of law and order situation, he said, “In order to reach the doorsteps of the people, the safety of life and property must be ensured first. People’s safety will be ensured from the first day of the formation of the government. An environment will be created where everyone will be safe.”
At that time, he introduced Dr. M A Quayum and said, “The candidate for the paddy sheaf in this election is Dr. MA Qayyum. Today, I officially handed over the paddy sheaf to him. You will keep an eye on him until the 12th.”
Tarique Rahman further said, “Insha Allah, after winning on the 12th, Quayum’s responsibility will be to be by your side from the 13th. To be by your side in times of trouble, to work for the development of the area. He is a son of this area. He has worked before, now he will work for the people on a larger scale.”
Finally, he urged everyone to vote for the paddy sheaf on the 12th of February for the sake of the country and the people.
