Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairperson's Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the Dhaka-17 Election Campaign Committee Abdus Salam has called on party leaders and activists to unite behind the Sheaf of Paddy and seek votes through a door-to-door campaign.

He said there is no alternative to BNP and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman to save the country and restore democracy.

"To bring the country back on the right track, an elected, people's government is essential, and that requires ensuring victory for the Sheaf of Paddy," he said.

Abdus Salam made the remarks while speaking at an exchange-of-views meeting with members of the Tati Dal at the BNP election office for Dhaka-17 constituency in Banani.

Addressing party activists, he urged them to mobilize voters. "If you are genuine voters, we will certainly get your votes. Not only your own-bring the votes of your family members, relatives, and people in your locality for the Sheaf of Paddy. If one activist can convince ten people, it will grow into a massive force," he said.

He said people want to vote for Tarique Rahman because they love him and believe in his leadership. "His family has served the country. Martyr President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia worked for the people, and Inshallah, Tarique Rahman will do the same," he added.

Referring to BNP's announced programs, Abdus Salam said that if the party comes to power it will introduce a Family Card, expand allowances for the elderly, undertake slum development, and improve education and healthcare.

"Hospitals and basic services will be ensured in slum areas. In short, BNP will take all necessary steps to improve the living standards of ordinary people," he said.

He said over the past 17 years the country has been hollowed out, money siphoned abroad, and business, commerce, and employment destroyed. "It is impossible to overcome this crisis without an elected government," he said.

He also emphasized communal harmony, saying BNP is a party for everyone-men and women, Hindus and Muslims, hill people and plainland people-and is committed to maintaining social cohesion.

Calling for disciplined campaigning, he instructed activists to seek votes respectfully. "There must be no coercion. Tarique Rahman has made it clear that anyone who commits wrongdoing in the party's name will have no place in BNP," he warned.

He further said that a BNP government would establish justice-based governance, restore jobs lost unjustly, revive businesses, ease access to bank loans, and ensure employment opportunities for the youth.

Concluding his speech, Abdus Salam urged party leaders and workers to intensify field-level activities. "Go door-to-door and market-to-market, explain our message to the people. On election day, everyone should go early to the polling centers and cast their votes. Inshallah, we will win this election," he said.