Vote for ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ to defeat autocracy Tarique Rahman
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on citizens across the country to vote for his party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, on 12 February, saying it would be a decisive response to autocracy.
“If people stamp the sheaf of paddy on the ballot, it will send a clear message to those who have stripped you of your rights,” he told a large election rally in Sirajganj.
Tarique said the people of Bangladesh have been protesting for the past 16–17 years against injustice and the suppression of their rights under an autocratic regime.
“If you want those rights restored, you must raise your voice on 12 February,” he said.
Explaining BNP’s political outlook, the party chief said BNP believes in peaceful coexistence among followers of all religions.
“Our foremost identity is that we are citizens of Bangladesh. Religion or caste is not our priority—people come first,” he added.
He said BNP is committed to respecting people as human beings and believes that only a government backed by the people can address the country’s real challenges.
The rally began at 3:00pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran at the BSCIC Industrial Park in the district. Tarique Rahman arrived in Sirajganj by road from Bogura around 3:30pm.
During his speech, he introduced BNP candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna districts and urged voters to support them by voting for the sheaf of paddy.
Seeking public cooperation in rebuilding the nation, Tarique said significant work is needed in Sirajganj and Pabna to improve livelihoods and accelerate regional development. “We protested and struggled.
Many leaders, activists and ordinary people sacrificed their lives to overthrow autocracy. Now it is time to rebuild the country together,” he said.
The BNP chief pledged to tackle unemployment by establishing new industrial parks across the country, including in the northern region.
He also promised to promote agriculture-based industries, revive the handloom sector, expand international markets for handloom products, and set up vocational training institutes in the region.
Tarique further said BNP would support women and farmers through family cards and farmers’ cards if the party comes to power.
The rally was presided over by district BNP President Rumana Mahmud and conducted by General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu.
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with central leaders and candidates from Sirajganj and Pabna, also addressed the gathering.
As part of his three-day election campaign in the northern region, Tarique has already addressed rallies in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur and Sirajganj
. He is scheduled to attend another rally in Tangail in the evening before returning to his Gulshan residence.