Claiming Bangladesh made significant progress and people’s lives improved whenever his party was in power, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged voters to support the party in the upcoming election to “change their fortunes”.

“We have seen who truly stood by the people in the past. If we look at history, whenever the people elected the sheaf of paddy, the country developed and people’s lives improved. So, as a candidate of the sheaf of paddy, I am asking for your votes,” he said.

Speaking at an election rally at the BRB Ground in Bhashantek under the Dhaka-17 constituency, he urged people to return the BNP to power to implement its national development plans.

“If the plans I have presented are to be implemented, the sheaf of paddy must win across Bangladesh. Many of your relatives, friends and acquaintances live across the country. As your candidate and as a son of this area, I humbly request you to ask them all to vote for the sheaf of paddy in their constituencies on February 12,” he added.

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, formal campaigning began on Thursday. This was Tarique Rahman’s first rally in Dhaka-17. A day earlier, he launched the campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) and addressing a rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.

On the second day of campaigning, Tarique attended the Bhashantek rally with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, as he is contesting from the constituency.

He emphasised his lifelong connection to the local residents and outlined a comprehensive vision for national reform after a period of political upheaval, prioritising democratic accountability and the restoration of voting rights at all levels of government.

Tarique said the country had endured difficult times over the last 15–16 years before the political changeover following a mass uprising on August 5, 2024.

He said people across Bangladesh now want positive change, including solutions to key issues such as safe movement, security, jobs for students and employment for young men and women.

Pointing to former national football captain Aminul Haque on stage, Tarique said, “You all know Aminul Haque. We want to nurture such talents so boys and girls can become professional athletes and earn a livelihood through sport.”

He said every sector and institution had weakened over the past 15–16 years, leaving Bangladesh far behind and in need of rebuilding.

“If we want to rebuild, we must establish democracy. Only when you can democratically elect your representatives can you take your local problems to them,” he said.

Referring to the last 15 years, he said people could not approach so-called MPs with their area’s problems. “That is why, to solve local problems and ensure development, we must elect representatives democratically — not only in parliamentary elections but also in municipalities, upazilas and union councils.”

The BNP leader said accountability is essential and elected representatives must understand what the people want. “Just as I came to you today and listened to your problems, I expect future representatives at every level to go directly to the people, identify their problems, and take initiatives to solve them.”

He added that solving local and national issues such as security, employment, education and healthcare requires a democratic government elected by the people. “A people-elected government can solve people’s problems,” he said, calling on supporters to take an oath: “We will work together and build the country — Bangladesh first.”

At the start of his speech, he personally took the microphone and invited people from different walks of life — long-time residents, students, marginal workers and women — to share their problems and expectations if he is elected MP.

Residents said slum dwellers want proper rehabilitation and employment opportunities for women.

In response, Tarique said, “I have grown up in this area for the last 50 years, although I had to stay away for some time. Still, I am one of you.”

“Now that I am a candidate in this area, I can assure you that, with your prayers and by the grace of Allah, if I win the election and the sheaf of paddy forms the government, we will solve the problems raised here today — including slum rehabilitation and other local issues,” he said.

Several residents shared their concerns directly with Tarique Rahman.

Md Jewel, a van driver, asked him to resolve housing problems and improve roads.

Hena Akhter, a student at the University of Asia Pacific, requested better living standards and slum rehabilitation.

Lili, a Bhashantek resident, asked for family cards for women and jobs for unemployed youth.

Shanta, another voter, urged employment opportunities for women and access to the cantonment area for civilians.

Another woman approached the stage to seek forgiveness for stealing guavas from the cantonment house of Tarique and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 20 years ago. She also alleged that a portion of land had been grabbed by an Awami League leader.

Tarique asked her to plant a guava tree at home and send some of its fruit as repayment.

He promised to address housing problems and rehabilitate slum dwellers. He also reiterated that, if the BNP returns to power, women in every household will receive a Family Card to access either Tk 2,500 in cash or essential food items of equivalent value.