Highlights
- BNP candidate Fakhrul Islam claims Noakhali will transform like Singapore if Tarique Rahman becomes PM.
- Urges voters to vote for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (sheaf of paddy) symbol.
- Promises a crime-free constituency and merit-based jobs.
- Says voters won’t need political connections to meet him if elected.
BNP leader and Noakhali-5 candidate Md Fakhrul Islam has said that if people vote for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (sheaf of paddy), Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister, and under his leadership, river-eroded Noakhali will become “like Singapore.”
He made these remarks during a large election rally in Kabirhat on Saturday (15 November).
Call for Voting on Sheaf of Paddy
Md Fakhrul Islam mentioned that several party members were hopeful for nomination, and all were qualified, but the party chose him. He asked people to vote not for him personally, but for Tarique Rahman. He said,
“আপনারা ধানের শীষে ভোট দিলে তারেক রহমান প্রধানমন্ত্রী হবেন। আর তিনি প্রধানমন্ত্রী হলে নদীভাঙন কবলিত নোয়াখালী হবে সিঙ্গাপুর।”
Translation: “If you vote for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (sheaf of paddy), Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister. And if he becomes PM, the river-eroded Noakhali will become like Singapore.”
Read more: Dr. Mahmudur Rahman Says No One Will Return to Power Through Foreign Influence
Promises for a Clean Constituency
During the rally, Fakhrul Islam promised to free the constituency from terrorism, extortion, and drugs. He also said he would ensure that jobs are given based on merit. He said,
“ওবায়দুল কাদেরের মতো আমার কোনো ভাই মেয়র বা ভাগিনা চেয়ারম্যান হবে না। যোগ্যতার ভিত্তিতে চাকরি হবে। এর জন্য আমার বাসায় মাছ-মাংস বা দধি নিতে হবে না।”
Translation: “Like Obaidul Quader, none of my brothers will become mayor or nephew’s chairman. Jobs will be given based on merit. You will not need to bring fish, meat, or yogurt to my house for it.”
He added that people would not need political intermediaries to meet him if he becomes an MP.
Appeal to Strengthen BNP Base in Noakhali
Fakhrul Islam urged voters to strengthen BNP’s presence once again in the region by voting for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (sheaf of paddy). He again urged,
“ধানের শীষে ভোট দিয়ে নোয়াখালীকে আপোসহীন নেত্রী বেগম খালেদা জিয়া ও তারুণ্যের অহংকার তারেক রহমানে ঘাঁটি হিসেবে আরেকবার প্রতিষ্ঠিত করুন।”
Translation: “By voting for the ‘Dhaner Shish’ (sheaf of paddy), establish Noakhali once again as a stronghold of Begum Khaleda Zia and the pride of the youth, Tarique Rahman.”
Source: Jago News 24
