We are hopeful about victory Tarique
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party would accept the election results provided the polls are conducted in a free, fair and neutral manner.
Responding to a question about his party’s prospects, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism, saying, “Alhamdulillah, we are hopeful about victory.”
“If the election is held in a transparent, impartial and controversy-free way, there is no reason for us not to accept the results. We will certainly accept them.
But the election must be peaceful and unbiased. If people are able to cast their votes freely, it can mark a new democratic beginning for the country,” he told reporters at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office after visiting several polling centres in the capital.
Tarique said he toured a number of voting centres in Dhaka and observed that people were casting their ballots in a calm environment after being deprived of their voting rights for more than a decade.
“There is visible enthusiasm among voters,” he added.
Calling upon citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully, he said, “Let us work together to build the Bangladesh we aspire to.”
When asked how many seats BNP expects to secure, he replied, “We hope to win enough seats to be able to govern the country effectively.”
On the issue of forming a national government, the BNP chief said he intends to run the country together with those who have stood alongside him in struggle and political movements.
Tarique also mentioned that although he had visited several centres in Dhaka, he had not yet received detailed reports from across the country as he had been on the move for hours. “From what I observed in the capital, the atmosphere appeared festive and peaceful,” he said.
However, he noted reports of unexpected incidents in different parts of the country. “Through various media outlets, I have seen that certain incidents are taking place, allegedly involving a political party. We do not want such occurrences,” he said.
Emphasising the role of the people, he added, “The people are the rightful owners of this country. If they come out and exercise their voting rights, voter turnout will increase and any conspiracy will fail.”
He warned that those responsible for creating disturbances would face growing public disapproval. “Such incidents are unacceptable. Attempts to create confusion or engage in unethical practices are not acceptable,” he said.
Addressing concerns about vote counting, Tarique said there should be no unnecessary delay. “Voters across the country will expect prompt results. The Election Commission should ensure that the outcomes are communicated as quickly as possible.”
Recalling previous elections in 1991, 1996 and 2001, he said results were announced within a reasonable timeframe. “We hope this time as well, the results will be declared without delay.”
He concluded by saying, “We are observing some undesirable developments and attempts to mislead people. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be accepted by anyone.”