Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday called on voters to support a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum and back BNP candidates in the February 12 elections, saying the party remained committed to political reforms despite disagreements over parts of the July Charter.

Addressing a large rally in Rangpur, Rahman said the BNP had submitted a 31-point reform proposal during the previous Awami League government and later took part in multiple rounds of dialogue with the interim administration’s reform commission.

Referring to those killed in last July’s protest movement, including Abu Sayeed, Rahman said their sacrifice had opened a path for restoring people’s voting rights and the rule of law.

He said the BNP’s political programme focused on ensuring citizens’ rights and accountable governance.

Tarique accused rival parties of spreading allegations of corruption against the BNP during the campaign, implicitly referring to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

He said members of that party had served in BNP-led governments in the past, arguing this contradicted claims that the BNP was inherently corrupt.

He urged voters to turn out early on election day and remain at polling centres to ensure ballots were properly counted, warning that vested interests were attempting to undermine the polls after years of what he described as manipulated elections.

The BNP leader reiterated his party’s pledge to maintain communal harmony, saying Bangladesh must remain peaceful for Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists alike.

Focusing on northern Bangladesh, Rahman highlighted water scarcity and agricultural distress, particularly in Rangpur division.

He said implementing the long-pending Teesta Master Plan was essential to prevent desertification and revive farming in the region.

Tarique outlined a series of economic pledges, including the waiver of small agricultural loans, government support for farmers indebted to registered NGOs, and the introduction of farmer cards to reduce production costs.

He also promised tax incentives for agro-based industries and IT firms to attract investment and create jobs for young people.

He said a future BNP government would prioritise people-centred development over large infrastructure projects, arguing that previous mega projects had fuelled corruption rather than improved living standards.

He added that those involved in corruption and in violence during the July movement would be brought to justice.

Tarique also pledged to empower women, noting they made up half the population, and said a family support card would be introduced to provide limited financial assistance to households.

During the rally, he introduced 33 BNP candidates from eight districts of Rangpur division and urged voters to ensure their victory.

Earlier in the day, Tarique visited Pirganj in Rangpur district, where he paid tribute at the grave of Abu Sayeed and met the slain protester’s family.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking at the rally, warned of ongoing attempts to derail the election and called on citizens to remain vigilant against any manipulation.

Thousands of supporters from across Rangpur division attended the rally.