(BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today urged people to exercise their voting rights properly in the upcoming February 12 election, saying the opportunity to vote has returned after a long struggle.

"The right to vote, regained through movements, struggles and the sacrifices of martyrs, must be exercised properly on February 12," he said while addressing an election rally at the Begum Anwara Degree College ground in Panchrukhi area of Araihazar upazila in Narayanganj around 4:00 am.

The rally in Araihazar marked the conclusion of the party`s first day election rallies that began in Sylhet.

Calling for unity, Tarique Rahman said, "To rebuild and repair the state, we must move forward unitedly with people of all religions. Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists have been living peacefully in this country for thousands of years, and this harmony must continue in the future."

He said such election rallies had not been held during the past 15 years and people had no opportunity to vote. "This time, that opportunity is before us. To make the country safe, the right to vote and the right to speak must be established. The main responsibility of the people is to elect the right candidates," he added.

The BNP Chairman said, "Before the vote, a certain force, a group, is conspiring. They are collecting national ID cards and mobile phone numbers from innocent mothers and sisters. They have seized the ballots of expatriates. Everyone must remain vigilant and cautious about them."

Highlighting the BNP`s development plans, he mentioned employment generation for youth, family cards for women, farmer cards for farmers and countrywide canal excavation.

District BNP Convener Mamun Mahmud presided over the rally.

Narayanganj-1 constituency candidate Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, Narayanganj-2 constituency candidate and BNP Dhaka Divisional Joint Organizing Secretary Nazrul Islam Azad, Narayanganj-3 constituency candidate Azharul Islam Mannan, Narayanganj-4 constituency candidate of the BNP-supported alliance and Joint General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Central Committee Monir Hossain Kasemi, Mohanagar BNP Member Secretary Abu Al Yusuf, Jubo Dal President Mehedi Aman Munna and Chatro Dal Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib also spoke.

Leaders and activists of affiliated organizations and a large number of common people were present at the rally.