Staff Correspondent:

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged new voters to cast their first ballot for the ‘sheaf of paddy’, the party’s electoral symbol, calling it a sacred act of reclaiming democracy and honouring the sacrifices of the July 2024 Mass Uprising.

Speaking at a massive rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, Tarique declared: “More than 40 million new voters have been stripped of their right to vote over the last 15 years. National elections are approaching. Now is the time to reclaim what was stolen from you. Your first vote, cast under the symbol of a sheaf of paddy, will not just elect a government—it will be a tool to restore your rights and rebuild Bangladesh.”

The rally, held at Shahbagh Intersection, marked the first anniversary of the July-August 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government after 16 years in power. It was the centrepiece of a month-long nationwide programme commemorating the youth-led revolution.

With emotion in his voice, Tarique led the crowd in a pledge: “Come, let us all vow on Sunday – our first vote will be to rebuild Bangladesh. Our first vote will honour the blood of the martyrs. Let our first vote be for the sheaf of paddy. InshaAllah!”

He reinforced the message with the rallying slogan:  ‘Tarunyer Prothom Vote, Dhaner Shisher Janya Hok! (Let the youth’s first vote be for the sheaf of paddy!).”

He called on party leaders and activists to carry this message to every village, campus, and city, transforming it into a national movement.

Tarique Rahman issued a stern warning against the rise of fascism and extremism, urging students to remain vigilant and play an active, conscious role in defending democracy.

“The people of Bangladesh, 54 years after independence, no longer want politics rooted in vengeance and repression. We must build the Bangladesh that every citizen dreams of—one of justice, freedom, and dignity.”

He praised the courage and resilience of Chhatra Dal members, many of whom have faced false cases, torture, enforced disappearances, and violence over the past 15 years.

“Despite brutal repression, the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina could not break the spirit of Chhatra Dal. You stood firm. You fought. And you helped bring down a dictatorship.”

Addressing the student leaders directly, Tarique said: “Free Bangladesh from fascism – and in doing so, you will establish your own rights.”

He assured them that the entire pro-democracy movement stands with them and will continue to support their struggle.

Tarique emphasised the need for self-improvement and intellectual growth within the student community.

He announced plans to introduce education in at least two additional international languages, beyond Bengali and English, in the national curriculum, to enhance global competitiveness.

He urged Chhatra Dal to focus its efforts on improving people’s lives, not just political slogans, and to champion issues like employment, education reform, and social justice.