Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairperson's Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the Dhaka-17 Election Campaign Committee Abdus Salam today said women voters will play the decisive role in determining victory or defeat in the upcoming national parliamentary election.

"Women's votes constitute half of the strength in this election. It is the vote that will decide who wins and who loses. That is why the votes of our mothers and sisters are extremely important to us," he said.

Salam was addressing a views exchange meeting with the leaders of different professional organisations at the main election office of Dhaka-17 constituency in Banani this afternoon.

Emphasizing active participation of women voters to ensure BNP's landslide victory in Dhaka-17, he said, "For the sake of the country and your own future, you must take time from your families, offices and workplaces and come out in support of BNP. This is not only for the party; it is for your own rights and your own future."

He alleged that if BNP does not come to power, the country will once again face tougher times. "There is a conspiracy underway to establish a weak government," Abdus Salam added.

Abdus Salam further said, "Everyone knows BNP will come to power. But a certain quarter wants BNP not to win the maximum number of seats, so that the government remains weak and later instability can be created to topple it."

Stressing the importance of an overwhelming victory in Dhaka-17, he said, "The party's candidate in Dhaka-17 is BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. It is not enough for him to win narrowly. He must win by a record number of votes. 
Ensuring the maximum number of votes in this constituency is our responsibility."

Recalling past repression and deprivation, Salam said many people lost their jobs and businesses simply for writing or expressing opinions in support of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. "You are the victims of those injustices. A decisive victory in this election is the answer to that deprivation," he added.

Calling for increased direct contact with general voters at all 124 polling centres, he said, "If we speak to just 10 to 20 voters every day, confusion can be dispelled."

Leaders from various professional groups were present at the meeting.