Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tareque Rahman formally launched his party’s election campaign in the Sylhet division on Thursday, holding a series of rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Addressing separate rallies, Rahman emphasised the restoration of voting rights, the re-establishment of democracy and the political philosophy of “Bangladesh First”.

The first rally of the day was held in the morning at the historic Government Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet city, where a large crowd gathered. In his speech, Rahman alleged that the people’s voting rights had been stripped away through what he described as “sham elections” over the past 15 to 16 years. He also accused past governments of plundering national resources in the name of development and siphoning money abroad.

Rahman said that if BNP comes to power, it will introduce a “Family Card” for women, including tea garden workers, and a “Farmers’ Card” to ensure economic security for rural communities.

Beginning his speech in the local dialect, he said, “Not Delhi, not Pindi—Bangladesh comes first.” He reiterated that the people are the sole source of state power and urged voters to support the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.

Later, addressing a rally in  Ainpur area of Moulvibazar, Rahman said that during BNP’s tenure, people were able to vote freely, speak openly and practise democracy without fear. He added that the sheaf of paddy symbol represents the protection of national independence and sovereignty.

In the evening, Rahman addressed a large rally in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, where he introduced BNP-nominated candidates for the district’s four parliamentary constituencies. The candidates are Reza Kibria (Habiganj-1), Abu Mansur Sakhawat Hasan (Habiganj-2), GK Gaws (Habiganj-3) and SM Faisal (Habiganj-4). He called on party leaders and activists to remain vigilant at polling centres from early morning on election day.

Party sources said the series of rallies in the Sylhet division has injected fresh momentum into BNP’s election campaign. Through large turnouts and strong messaging, the party sought to reinforce its call for political change and the restoration of democratic rights.