BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged voters to cast their ballots in favour of the party’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the February 12 national election, saying its victory would mean the victory of Bangladesh.
He made the call in a televised address to the nation on the eve of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum–2026.
“February 12 is the day to restore people’s rights in the state and government,” Tarique Rahman said, appealing to students, workers, farmers, professionals, and women to vote for the paddy sheaf.
He said Bangladesh belongs to people of all faiths and beliefs. “Religion is personal, and the state belongs to all. Every citizen must feel safe,” he said, adding that the country has never accepted dictatorship, extremism or authoritarian rule.
Referring to BNP’s past leadership, Tarique Rahman said President Ziaur Rahman worked to build a self-reliant Bangladesh, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia stood firm for national interests despite repression.
He said BNP, if voted to power, would work to build a safe, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh, admitting that past governments may have made mistakes but promising to learn from them.
Tarique Rahman pledged strict action against corruption, restoration of the rule of law and full accountability of the government to the people. “There is no alternative to controlling corruption and ensuring justice,” he said.
On youth employment, he said BNP aims to create 10 million jobs at home and abroad through economic reforms, investment and skills development. He announced plans for free training in technical skills, freelancing and outsourcing, as well as temporary financial allowances for educated unemployed youths.
Highlighting expatriate welfare, he said BNP plans to introduce an Expatriate Card to ensure dignity, protection and facilities for migrant workers and to provide easy loans for overseas employment.
He also announced plans to introduce a Family Card for every household, issued in the name of the female head of the family. In the first phase, low-income families will receive Tk 2,500 per month or equivalent food support.
To protect farmers, he said BNP will introduce a Farmer Card to ensure fair prices, financial assistance and access to modern agricultural information.
On healthcare, Tarique Rahman said BNP plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, mostly women, to provide primary health services at the grassroots level.
He also said BNP would support the ICT sector, including artificial intelligence, freelancing and outsourcing, to make Bangladesh a regional technology hub.
Addressing constitutional issues, he said BNP would reinsert the phrase “full faith and belief in Almighty Allah” into the Constitution if elected.
Concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman said justice, accountability and public welfare would be the core principles of a future BNP government.