DHAKA, Feb 9, (V7N) – BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday sought votes for the Sheaf of Paddy in the February 12 national election, pledging to build a safe, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh for all citizens, regardless of religion, belief or ethnicity.

In a televised address to the nation ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and Referendum-2026, Tarique Rahman said BNP envisions a Bangladesh where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, believers and non-believers, as well as people living in hills and plains, can live with equal safety and dignity.

“Religion is personal, the state belongs to all. Ensuring peace and security for every citizen is the responsibility of the state,” he said, adding that in a modern, civilized society people must be free to practice their faith according to their own beliefs and traditions.

Referring to history, he said that during the Liberation War of 1971 and the “war to protect independence in 2024,” no one questioned religious identity. “The past 55 years have proven that democracy-loving people of Bangladesh reject autocracy, religious extremism and militancy,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said preserving religious beliefs and cultural diversity to build a safe Bangladesh was the core political philosophy of the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. “Regardless of party, religion or ethnicity, Bangladesh belongs to all—we are all Bangladeshis,” he added.

He warned that at various times there have been attempts to attack religious values socially and politically, while some groups misinterpret religion to serve narrow partisan interests. “We must remain vigilant so that no one can mislead Muslim believers,” he said.

Highlighting BNP’s past governance, Tarique Rahman said Ziaur Rahman worked to build a self-reliant Bangladesh and sacrificed his life for national interests. He also paid tribute to former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she never compromised with the country’s interests despite imprisonment and oppression.

“She could have avoided imprisonment and gone abroad, but her heart was bound to Bangladesh,” he said, adding that even while imprisoned, Khaleda Zia remained a symbol of resistance against authoritarian forces.

Calling February 12 a decisive moment, Tarique Rahman said the election is an opportunity to fulfill Khaleda Zia’s aspiration of institutionalizing democracy and establishing people’s rights. Urging voters to make the Sheaf of Paddy victorious, he said this would help realize the dreams of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia and build a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for all.