Barisal, Feb 04 (V7N) — BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that Bangladesh can never expect progress under the leadership of a party that does not respect mothers and sisters, alleging that a new group of oppressors has emerged in the country.

He made the remarks while addressing the BNP divisional election rally at Bells Park ground in Barisal in the afternoon.

Tarique Rahman said individuals linked to secret organizations have become the new oppressors, claiming that their leaders have used derogatory language against Bangladeshi women. “A country cannot move forward under leaders who show no respect for women,” he said.

Emphasizing women’s role in nation-building, the BNP chairman said development is impossible if women are left behind. “Women cannot be confined to homes. To build the country, men and women must work shoulder to shoulder. Otherwise, the Bangladesh people dream of cannot be achieved,” he added.

He also alleged that leaders of secret organizations are printing fake seals and counterfeit ballot papers at various presses and attempting to influence votes through unethical means. “Those who manipulate elections before voting day and spread lies in the name of ID hacking cannot establish the rule of honest people,” he said.

Urging voters to remain vigilant, Tarique Rahman called on people to ensure that no one can hijack their voting rights in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12.

Outlining BNP’s development plans, he said the party aims to establish industrial institutions in the southern region by utilizing Bhola gas. He added that BNP-backed candidates must be elected to implement projects including the Barisal–Bhola bridge, a medical college in Bhola, and permanent solutions to river erosion.

Tarique Rahman also instructed BNP leaders and activists to stand by the people for the next five years from February 13, if elected, stating that BNP believes the people are the ultimate source of all power.

END/SMA/AJ