Tarique Rahman: Some are trying to buy votes by 'selling tickets to paradise'

The Chronify

January 22, 2026

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman accused certain groups of deceiving voters by exploiting religion ahead of the election. Speaking at BNP’s first election rally in Sylhet, he urged people to stay united to resist conspiracies and electoral manipulation.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday alleged that some groups are attempting to influence voters by misusing religious sentiment, saying they are “selling tickets to paradise” to buy votes ahead of the national election.

“Allah is the owner of everything, but some people are trying to buy votes by selling tickets to paradise,” Tarique said while addressing BNP’s first official election rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet.
“They are deceiving people even before the elections; everyone knows what they will do afterward. Those claiming to support certain leaders-back in 1971, the people of this country already saw them,” he added.

Calling for vigilance, Tarique warned of renewed conspiracies surrounding the election process. He claimed that irregularities involving postal ballots were occurring in several countries, including parts of the Middle East.
“Those who fled the country and engaged in vote rigging before are attempting similar conspiracies again. We must remain alert. If we stay united, all conspiracies can be countered,” he said.

Speaking in support of BNP’s Sheaf of Paddy electoral symbol, Tarique said that if BNP comes to power with public support, it would govern the country with justice.
“If BNP comes to power with the people’s mandate, we will run the state with justice, following the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he said.

He also outlined BNP’s priorities on employment, women’s empowerment and agriculture.
“We want to make mothers and sisters economically self-reliant. We will create jobs for the unemployed and stand by our farmer brothers. If the Sheaf of Paddy wins on the 12th, canal-digging programmes will resume across the country,” he said.

Through this rally in Sylhet, BNP formally launched its campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The historic Alia Madrasa ground was filled with party leaders, activists and supporters, with many arriving from Wednesday night.

The rally began at 10am, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders present. Tarique Rahman reached the venue around 11:30am.

Party leaders said Tarique Rahman’s visit to Sylhet-his first in 21 years-has generated strong enthusiasm among BNP supporters and grassroots activists ahead of the election.