Tarique Rahman Launches Election Campaign from Sylhet

PNN News Desk, Sylhet

“Not Delhi, not Islamabad, not any foreign country—Bangladesh comes first,” declared BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, formally launching the election campaign ahead of the national parliamentary elections.

In his first public rally at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa field on Thursday, he emphasized that the ultimate source of political power is the people, and BNP prioritizes citizens’ rights and welfare. He accused past governments of rigging elections, engaging in ballot theft, and conducting “dummy elections” to deprive people of voting rights. He also raised allegations of looting state resources under the guise of development and transferring wealth abroad.

He invoked religious values, stating that ownership belongs to Allah, and warned against parties making promises beyond their mandate. Tarique emphasized that BNP aims not just to protect voting rights but to empower citizens and ensure fundamental and economic rights in a free country.

The rally also commemorated missing BNP leaders, including M. Ilyas Ali, and demanded justice. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke as a special guest. Tarique’s wife Zubaida Rahman, BNP-nominated candidates, and central leaders attended. The rally was presided over by Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.

Supporters arrived in processions from Sylhet and Sunamganj, filling the venue with slogans and party symbols. After the rally, Tarique departed for Dhaka, planning to hold additional meetings in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, and Narayanganj.