Saturday, 31 January, 2026
NP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday issued a powerful call for a nationwide ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, to be held alongside the February 12 general election, framing the ballot as a test of unity, sacrifice and democratic resolve.
Addressing a sea of supporters at the historic Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur, Tarique cast the moment as one rooted in blood and responsibility. Calling Rangpur “sacred soil,” he invoked the memory of Abu Sayed and other fallen protesters whose deaths, he said, consecrated the struggle embodied in the July Charter.
“Rangpur is hallowed by the blood of Abu Sayed,” Tarique declared. “Upholding the July Charter is not a political choice—it is a moral obligation. Abu Sayed, Wasim and nearly 1,400 martyrs gave their lives for this cause.”
The BNP chief urged voters to protect the unity forged by ordinary citizens during the August 5 uprising and to remain vigilant on polling day, warning that democratic gains must be defended at the ballot box.
Turning to development, Tarique sought to overturn Rangpur’s long-standing image as a neglected region, outlining an ambitious economic roadmap centred on industry, entrepreneurship and digital growth.
He said a future BNP government would prioritise agro-based industries to unlock the region’s economic potential, provide special incentives for entrepreneurs to generate employment, and offer temporary tax exemptions to IT firms to stimulate investment in the digital economy.
On rural welfare and gender equality, he announced a series of pledges: waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000, distribution of agricultural cards along with free seeds and pesticides for at least one crop cycle, and the introduction of ‘family cards’ to ensure women’s economic independence and safeguard their rights.
“We have placed our plans before you—now tell us yours,” Tarique asked the charged crowd, drawing chants of the BNP’s election symbol, Dhaner Sheesh (Sheaf of Paddy).
He concluded by urging supporters to offer Fajr prayers before heading to polling stations on election day.
Later in the evening, Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the grave of Abu Sayed, a Begum Rokeya University student killed by police firing during the July 2024 uprising.
Arriving at Jafarpara Babonpur village in Pirganj around 6pm, he offered fateha at the grave and met with the martyr’s family to convey his condolences. BNP Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and senior Rangpur district leaders accompanied him.
Speaking to reporters, Professor Zahid said Abu Sayed’s sacrifice had awakened a nation. “Honouring Abu Sayed is not only BNP’s duty—it is the responsibility of the entire country,” he said.
“On July 16, 2024, he stood unarmed against repression. His courage taught the nation how to resist autocracy, even in the face of bullets.”
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NP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday issued a powerful call for a nationwide ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum, to be held alongside the February 12 general election, framing the ballot as a test of unity, sacrifice and democratic resolve.
Addressing a sea of supporters at the historic Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur, Tarique cast the moment as one rooted in blood and responsibility. Calling Rangpur “sacred soil,” he invoked the memory of Abu Sayed and other fallen protesters whose deaths, he said, consecrated the struggle embodied in the July Charter.
“Rangpur is hallowed by the blood of Abu Sayed,” Tarique declared. “Upholding the July Charter is not a political choice—it is a moral obligation. Abu Sayed, Wasim and nearly 1,400 martyrs gave their lives for this cause.”
The BNP chief urged voters to protect the unity forged by ordinary citizens during the August 5 uprising and to remain vigilant on polling day, warning that democratic gains must be defended at the ballot box.
Turning to development, Tarique sought to overturn Rangpur’s long-standing image as a neglected region, outlining an ambitious economic roadmap centred on industry, entrepreneurship and digital growth.
He said a future BNP government would prioritise agro-based industries to unlock the region’s economic potential, provide special incentives for entrepreneurs to generate employment, and offer temporary tax exemptions to IT firms to stimulate investment in the digital economy.
On rural welfare and gender equality, he announced a series of pledges: waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000, distribution of agricultural cards along with free seeds and pesticides for at least one crop cycle, and the introduction of ‘family cards’ to ensure women’s economic independence and safeguard their rights.
“We have placed our plans before you—now tell us yours,” Tarique asked the charged crowd, drawing chants of the BNP’s election symbol, Dhaner Sheesh (Sheaf of Paddy).
He concluded by urging supporters to offer Fajr prayers before heading to polling stations on election day.
Later in the evening, Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the grave of Abu Sayed, a Begum Rokeya University student killed by police firing during the July 2024 uprising.
Arriving at Jafarpara Babonpur village in Pirganj around 6pm, he offered fateha at the grave and met with the martyr’s family to convey his condolences. BNP Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and senior Rangpur district leaders accompanied him.
Speaking to reporters, Professor Zahid said Abu Sayed’s sacrifice had awakened a nation. “Honouring Abu Sayed is not only BNP’s duty—it is the responsibility of the entire country,” he said.
“On July 16, 2024, he stood unarmed against repression. His courage taught the nation how to resist autocracy, even in the face of bullets.”
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