Tarique Rahman has urged the public to cast their votes for the Paddy Sheaf, calling it a step toward ensuring the nation’s victory

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today urged the people to cast their votes for the ‘Paddy Sheaf’ in the February 12 national election, saying that the victory of the party’s symbol would mean the victory of Bangladesh itself.

“February 12 is the day to restore the people’s rights in the state and government. I sincerely appeal to students, workers, farmers, professionals, mothers, sisters and brothers to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said in a televised address to the nation this evening, on the eve of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the Referendum 2026.

He added that the triumph of the Paddy Sheaf would pave the way for a free, sovereign and independent Bangladesh.

Noting that Bangladesh is home to people of all faiths, Tarique Rahman said religion is a personal matter, while the state belongs to everyone. “Every citizen—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, believer or non-believer—must feel safe,” he said.

He also said the people of Bangladesh have never accepted dictatorship, extremism or authoritarian rule.

“Bound together by Bangladeshi nationalism, beyond party lines, religion or ethnicity, this country belongs to all of us,” he said.

Recalling BNP’s past governance, he said President Ziaur Rahman worked to build a self-reliant Bangladesh and sacrificed his life for the nation, while Begum Khaleda Zia endured imprisonment and repression without ever compromising Bangladesh’s interests.

The BNP chairman said that if BNP returns to power through this election, the party will work to build a safe, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh for all.

More to come.