BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman warned of emerging "new oppressors" in Bangladesh who disrespect women and threaten the country's democratic values at mass election rallies in Barishal and Faridpur ahead of the February 12 polls.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Belpark Maidan in Barishal, he criticized political actors, referring to Jamaat, making offensive remarks about women, insisting that such actions reflected their true character rather than being the result of hacking, as some claimed. "Experts have verified that no hacking occurred," he said, emphasizing that these individuals' actions posed a threat to the nation's progress.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted the BNP's development agenda, stressing that if the party forms the government, administrative reforms, including the establishment of new divisions, would be undertaken solely for the benefit of the people. "BNP believes that the source of all power lies with the people. It is from this principle that our party seeks to assume the responsibility of governance," he said.
He referred to the historical contributions of women in Islam, noting that Prophet Muhammad's wife Khadija (RA) was a working woman, and Aisha (RA) played an active role in the Battle of Badr. Criticizing those attempting to confine women to domestic roles, Tarique Rahman stressed that national development is impossible without their full participation. "We will build the nation together," he affirmed.
The BNP chairman also addressed the conduct of political opponents, recalling incidents in Cumilla where opposition leaders threatened the public, and warned his party cadres to remain vigilant. "From February 13 onward, you will answer to the people, because we believe that the people are the ultimate source of power," he said. He condemned continued oppression of citizens prior to August 5, drawing parallels to what he called a "new tyrant," and questioned how leaders who disrespect women could govern effectively.
During the rally, Tarique Rahman introduced BNP and allied party candidates contesting 21 seats across the southern division, emphasizing the importance of voting rights after 16 years of deprivation. He promised that women and men would work together for the country's progress, highlighting the contributions of women to the garment sector and pledging to protect their rights and provide proper recognition.
He also outlined plans to improve socio-economic security, including family cards, agricultural loan forgiveness up to Tk 10,000, and ensuring fair prices for crops through local storage facilities. On infrastructure, he proposed connecting Bhola to Barishal via a new bridge, establishing industrial plants powered by local resources, upgrading medical colleges, and appointing healthcare workers to bring services closer to households. Addressing natural disasters, he noted riverbank erosion had destroyed farmland and ancestral graves in the region, and promised comprehensive measures to prevent further damage. "President Ziaur Rahman was the first to bring rural electrification to Barishal, and Begum Zia established the Barishal division. We will complete all unfinished work in the region," he said.
In Faridpur, Tarique Rahman reiterated similar points, promising new infrastructure projects, river erosion mitigation, agricultural support through farmer cards, and empowerment of women and children through family cards and healthcare programs. He also assured the construction of a bridge over the Padma River to address water and transport issues.
The rallies were attended by central and local BNP leaders, including Barishal city convener Muniruzzaman Faruk, divisional secretary Birakis Jahan Shirin, and candidates from multiple constituencies. Law enforcement maintained a vigilant presence to ensure peaceful assemblies, and supporters expressed optimism, saying the events infused new energy into southern Bangladesh's political landscape.
Through these rallies, Tarique Rahman highlighted both the urgent need to protect women's rights and the party's commitment to socio-economic development, positioning BNP as the party that empowers citizens to shape the nation's future.
