Sylhet, Nov 08 (V7N) — BNP Standing Committee Member and Convener of the Women and Child Rights Forum, Begum Selima Rahman, has accused a rival political party of exploiting religion to deceive rural women by offering “tickets to paradise” in exchange for political support.

Speaking as the chair at a discussion titled “Establishing Women and Children’s Rights as BNP’s Electoral Priority” on Saturday at a prominent hotel in Sylhet, Selima Rahman said rural women are simple and devout, and some groups are taking advantage of their faith for political manipulation. “We are all religious, but religion should never be used as a political tool. Rural women love Begum Khaleda Zia and the BNP’s symbol, the sheaf of paddy. They prayed and fasted for her recovery. Even people of other faiths prayed for her. Despite years of oppression, Begum Zia never fled the country — because she loves her people,” she said.

Selima Rahman called on grassroots women representatives to work together to ensure BNP’s victory in the upcoming national elections. “You are the real link between the people and the party. It is your connection with the community that makes you the driving force of our movement,” she added.

She urged party members to promote BNP’s 31-point reform program announced by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, emphasizing that it represents the rights and reforms for all citizens. “We talk about the 31 points, but we rarely explain them to the people. That needs to change,” she said.

Highlighting BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to women’s empowerment, she recalled his introduction of anti-dowry laws and job quotas for women. “He sowed the seeds of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. Our goal now is to make women skilled through technical education and ensure their active participation in every sector,” she noted.

Selima Rahman also mentioned missing BNP leaders M. Ilias Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed Dinar, who she said “stood on the frontlines for democracy and justice.”

The event was conducted by the forum’s member secretary, Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, and attended by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Organizing Secretary G.K. Gaus, Assistant Organizing Secretaries Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon and Miftah Siddiqi, along with several district leaders.

Present at the program were Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qayum Chowdhury, Advocate Hadia Chowdhury Munni, Sunamganj District BNP leader Advocate Abdul Haq, and Women and Child Rights Forum member Naima Khondokar.

Current and former female local representatives, including women chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and union council members from the Sylhet division, also joined the discussion. Speakers at the event pledged to work collectively to ensure BNP’s electoral victory in every constituency of the Sylhet region and to strengthen women’s rights and participation in politics.

END/RIM/SMA/