Thakurgaon, Jan 24 (V7N) — BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged voters to stand by the party’s election symbol, the ‘rice sheaf’, saying it represents strength, rights, and security for the people.

He made the remarks while addressing election road meetings at Bhatgaon Kanderpara and Board Kochubari areas of Auliapur Union in Thakurgaon.

Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP had carried out significant development work during its previous tenures and pledged to complete the remaining development projects if the party returns to power. “BNP will take initiatives to increase people’s income, create employment for unemployed youth, and strengthen the education and healthcare sectors,” he said.

Referring to his personal political struggles, the BNP leader said he had been jailed 11 times in 117 cases during the Awami League regime and spent nearly three and a half years in prison. “After a long struggle, the opportunity to vote has finally returned. The darkness has passed, and better days are ahead,” he said.

He called on voters to exercise their franchise freely in the upcoming election scheduled for February 12, saying, “This time we will vote for whoever we choose, without fear.”

Mirza Fakhrul also reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to communal harmony, stating that the party has always stood by the Hindu community and continues to do so. “Vote with confidence and without hesitation. BNP is always by your side,” he said.

Criticizing unfamiliar election symbols, he said the ‘scales’ symbol was new to voters, while BNP is a tested party that has been in power five times and has a proven record of governance. He assured that if elected, development of the area would be given the highest priority.

Leaders and activists from the district and upazila levels of BNP were present at the meetings. Mirza Fakhrul is scheduled to participate in several more street meetings in Shukanpukhuri Union later in the day.

END/SMA/AJ