BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on voters across the country to remain vigilant to protect their voting rights and ensure the national election is free from manipulation and conspiracies.

Speaking at a massive rally at the National Bangla High School ground in Mirpur in support of BNP candidate Sanjida Islam Tuli for Dhaka-14, Tarique warned that citizens must prevent anyone from turning their ballots into a “dummy election.”

“You must remain alert so that no one can lock your vote inside ballot boxes or change election results through conspiracy. No one should be allowed to steal your rights,” he said.

Tarique accused a certain party of misleading voters in the name of religion and attempting to manipulate the election.

 “We have already seen members of that party caught making fake seals. They went to innocent mothers and sisters to collect NID and bKash numbers to deceive them,” he said, in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

He recalled the party’s historical record of standing against the people, including during the Liberation War and the 1990 mass movement, adding, “They have repeatedly abandoned the people and sided with anti-democratic forces.”

Outlining BNP’s priorities, Tarique said the party focuses on delivering plans and programmes rather than empty criticism. “People need practical initiatives that can truly change their fate. At this moment, BNP is the only party with such plans,” he said.

Criticising the past 16 years of Awami League governance, he said so-called mega projects brought benefits only to a few while ordinary citizens remained neglected.

Tarique called on voters in Dhaka-14 to support Sanjida Islam Tuli, describing her as a candidate who understands people’s pain and will stand by them. “Please look after Tuli until February 12. From February 13, she will be responsible for looking after all of you,” he said.

Earlier, speaking at Shyamoli Club in support of BNP-backed Bobby Hajjaj for Dhaka-13, Tarique stressed that restoring law and order would be a top priority under BNP. “Public safety and freedom of movement are essential for any development. Our mothers and sisters must be able to walk safely, and people must return home without fear,” he said.

At another rally at Adarsha High School ground in Senpara, Mirpur-10 under Dhaka-15, Tarique outlined BNP’s national development agenda, promising empowerment for women, support for farmers, improved healthcare, and employment opportunities for youth through ICT, vocational and technical training.

“All these initiatives require your cooperation. BNP has presented its plans—what is your plan for February 12?” he asked, drawing chants of “Sheaf of Paddy” from thousands of supporters.

Tarique also introduced BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton for Dhaka-15, urging voters to elect him and help build “the Bangladesh we envision in honour of our martyrs.”

He began his Dhaka campaign earlier at 3:30 pm at ECB ground in Dhaka-17 and then addressed Lalmat Field in Pallabi-2 under Dhaka-16, pledging to personally monitor development work and welfare in the area if BNP candidates are elected.

Highlighting local concerns such as waterlogging and hospital services, Tarique assured voters that BNP will implement practical solutions, enforce canal protection, and ensure accountable governance.

Reflecting on past uprisings, he reminded the public, “For the last 16 years, people could not vote freely. Now your freedom to vote has returned, and many sacrificed their lives for it. Let February 12 mark the beginning of a new chapter of safety, accountability and democratic rights under BNP.”