Tarique claims conspiracy to sabotage polls

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday warned that a group is allegedly plotting to obstruct the upcoming general election and urged party leaders and activists to stay alert to thwart any such move.

Addressing an election rally virtually from Dhaka at the Hatiya Dwip Government College ground in Noakhali, he said conspiracies to derail elections had resurfaced and stressed the need for vigilance. Recalling the past 15–16 years, Tarique said people had been deprived of voting rights and freedom of expression, adding that ensuring victory for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, was vital to solving local problems and rebuilding the country.

He said voting alone was not enough, urging citizens to remain present and vigilant to ensure proper counting of ballots. Emphasising unity, he said people of all religions must come together, describing Bangladesh as the people’s “first and last destination.”

Highlighting Hatiya’s challenges, Tarique said the area suffers from river erosion, flooding, lack of safe drinking water, inadequate educational institutions, limited healthcare services and agricultural difficulties. He said these problems require an effective plan and a pro-people government, adding that the BNP would gradually resolve them if elected.

He pledged that a BNP government would construct embankments and block dams to prevent erosion and flooding in and around Hatiya, prioritise fundamental rights, improve livelihoods and focus on agriculture, employment, healthcare and infrastructure—particularly in island and remote areas.

Tarique said unemployment, especially among youth, has become severe, while male and female day labourers struggle to sustain their livelihoods. He said the party has prepared plans to support people from all professions and urged voters to back the BNP.

Addressing joblessness, he said vocational training institutes would be established to equip young people with skills, enabling them to start small businesses or access bank loans. He added that those seeking overseas employment, especially in the Middle East, would benefit from better training, leading to higher-paying jobs.

On healthcare, he said medical services in Hatiya remain inaccessible and local hospitals need expansion and modernisation. He proposed deploying trained healthcare workers to provide door-to-door basic treatment, particularly for women and children, easing the burden of travelling for minor illnesses.

He also pledged to allocate khas land for the landless, upgrade the upazila health complex to a 150-bed hospital and elevate Jahazmara union to a separate upazila. Acknowledging the role of religious leaders, he said imams and khatibs play a vital role in guiding communities.

Calling on voters, Tarique urged them to reach polling centres early, stand in queues and cast their votes. He encouraged Muslim voters to attend after Fajr and Tahajjud prayers and urged people of other faiths to participate as well. He also asked voters to remain at polling stations after voting to ensure proper counting of ballots.