Dhaka: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed satisfaction after casting his vote, stating he is fully confident about his party’s victory in the national election. He cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College centre in the capital around 9:40pm. Talking to reporters afterward, Tarique said people in Bangladesh have been waiting for this day for more than a decade.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarique expressed hope that voters would exercise their franchise freely and help begin a new democratic journey for the country. Referring to some unwanted incidents reported from different parts of the country on Wednesday night, Tarique mentioned that law enforcement agencies took strict steps to control the situation, which he found encouraging. He urged voters, party leaders, and activists to stay at the polling centres until the end of voting, emphasizing that their presence could thwart any conspiracies. Tarique also stated he and his party are “100 per cent hopeful” of winning.
When discussing his party’s priorities if it wins the election, Tarique highlighted improving the law and order situation as the top priority. He emphasized the need for safety and security across the country. Tarique also stressed the importance of women’s empowerment, noting their significant role in the population and outlining plans in the BNP’s manifesto for their development. He expressed hope for a new democratic era in Bangladesh, fulfilling the long-standing expectations of the people.
Tarique Rahman, who is contesting the election with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol from Dhaka-17 constituency and also running from Bogura-6, voted at the centre for the first time. Previously, in 2001, he was a voter at Adamjee Cantonment Public School and College centre in Dhaka Cantonment. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman, also cast their votes at the same centre, marking Zaima’s first time voting. Tarique entered the polling centre around 9:40am with his wife and daughter, where his chief election agent Abdus Salam and Prof Farhad Halim Donar were present to welcome him.