News Flash
DHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Sheaf of Paddy candidate for Dhaka-17 constituency, today voiced firm optimism about victory as he exercised his voting right after a long interval.
Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot at Gulshan Model High School and College centre in the capital around 9:30am, Tarique said, "For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh had been waiting for this day. Today is the day that expectation is being fulfilled."
He expressed hope that through spontaneous participation in voting, the people would usher in a new democratic Bangladesh.
Referring to some unwanted incidents reported from across the country last night, he said that law enforcement agencies had taken strict measures to bring those situations under control, which he found encouraging.
Urging voters and party leaders and worker to remain at polling centres until the end, Tarique Rahman said if people continue to come to polling centres throughout the day and exercise their rights, then "Insha'Allah any conspiracy can be resisted".
When asked about the election results, the BNP Chairman said with firmness that he and his party BNP were one hundred percent optimistic about victory.
He said that if elected and able to form the government, improving the law and order situation would be given the highest priority. "Our main goal will be to ensure that ordinary people feel safe in the country," he added.
The BNP Chairman also emphasized the importance of women's participation and empowerment, saying that women constitute half of the country's total population and development is not possible by leaving them behind.
According to the election manifesto, proper evaluation and empowerment of women would begin from the very first day, he mentioned.
Replying to a question about the overall voting atmosphere and whether the election was being conducted fairly, he said it would not be appropriate to comment immediately and that he might be able to say more after further observation.
Tarique Rahman expressed hope for a beautiful and stable future with everyone together.
