Bangladesh comes first, not Delhi, not Pindi: Tarique Rahman

Bangla Press Desk: BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman formally launched his election campaign on Thursday at the Government Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet, declaring that the people of Bangladesh are the sole source of political power and reaffirming his party’s commitment to improving their lives.

Addressing a large public gathering, he unveiled the campaign slogan: “Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country—Bangladesh comes first.” He said the BNP believes in the sovereignty of the people and aims to build a self-reliant nation.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh are fully aware of the historical roles played during that period, adding that the nation was liberated at the cost of millions of lives and immense suffering. He urged voters to reflect on that history when making political choices.

At his first election rally, he sought public support and prayers and called on voters to ensure victory for the BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy.

Emphasising unity, he said the country must come together against disbelief, recklessness, and falsehood. He stated that while restoring voting rights and freedom of expression is important, true empowerment means enabling citizens to stand on their own feet economically and socially.

During his speech, Tarique Rahman posed a series of rhetorical questions to the crowd about ownership of the world, heaven, and all creation. When the audience responded that everything belongs to Allah, he argued that no individual or party has the authority to promise what does not belong to them. He warned voters against political deception, stating that misleading promises before elections indicate greater deception afterward.

Criticising past elections, he alleged that for the past 15 to 16 years, elections were marked by ballot stuffing, fake voting, and nighttime polls, resulting in the deprivation of citizens’ voting and political rights. He also accused the previous government of plundering public wealth in the name of development and transferring money abroad.

The rally began with recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Tarique Rahman arrived on stage around midday and spoke for approximately half an hour. The venue was already filled to capacity before his arrival, with supporters chanting slogans in his favour.

Earlier in the day, he held an exchange of views with around one hundred students in Sylhet. At the rally, he greeted leaders and activists by waving from the stage.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the gathering as a special guest. Tarique Rahman’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, BNP-nominated candidates, and senior party leaders were also present. The event was presided over by the Sylhet district BNP president, and candidates from all parliamentary constituencies of the Sylhet division attended.

Supporters arrived in processions from various areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj, chanting slogans in support of the BNP and its leadership. Many wore caps and headbands bearing party symbols.

Reference to Enforced Disappearances

The rally prominently featured references to BNP leaders and activists who were victims of enforced disappearances, including former organising secretary and Sylhet-2 MP M Ilias Ali, who went missing in April 2012. Tarique Rahman and other speakers mentioned his name during their speeches. A designated area at the venue was reserved for families of the disappeared and martyrs.

Six More Rallies Scheduled

After the Sylhet rally, Tarique Rahman departed for Dhaka by road. Along the way, he is scheduled to address six additional election rallies in different districts along the Sylhet–Dhaka highway, where he will formally introduce BNP-nominated and supported candidates from those areas.
BP/TI