Tarique Rahman in Chattogram: Pick Candidates Who Have Public Acceptance and Can Win

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has delivered a decisive set of directives to grassroots leaders ahead of the upcoming local government polls, emphasizing transparency and electoral meritocracy. Speaking as the chief guest at an organizational meeting held at the Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View on Tuesday night, he assured that there would be no state interference in the electoral process, unlike during the past regime. Consequently, he instructed party figures to nominate candidates based strictly on public popularity and authentic winning capability rather than mere internal party influence. Chaired by Chattogram City BNP Convener Ershad Ullah, the gathering brought together around 450 leaders from the metropolitan, north, and south district committees.

Emphasizing the vital importance of resolving internal friction, Tarique Rahman underlined that public trust remains BNP's most critical asset at the grassroots level. He noted that field-level consensus and genuine voter acceptance must dictate nominations, as only clean, respectable figures can secure legitimate victories in an open, competitive race. Prior to the organizational conclave, he had landed at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport from Rajshahi on Tuesday evening, visiting the historic JM Sen Hall puja mandap in Rahmatganj to exchange festive Sharadiya Durga Puja greetings with the Hindu community amid massive crowds.

Beyond electoral strategy, Tarique Rahman placed tremendous weight on personal discipline, social responsibility, and law enforcement cooperation. He issued an unequivocal warning that criminal activity, extortion, or misconduct within party ranks would invite zero tolerance and immediate punitive action. Urging leaders to partner with respected local elders to assist law enforcement agencies, he remarked that if every citizen conscientiously fulfills their civic duties, half of all societal crimes would vanish naturally. Additionally, he directed leaders to effectively communicate progressive administrative reforms directly to everyday citizens.

Political analysts believe Tarique Rahman's clear mandate presents both an opportunity and a stern accountability test for regional party cadres. By prioritizing candidates with unblemished reputations and cross-community appeal, the party aims to solidify its democratic credentials following years of electoral erosion. Following the meeting, the BNP leadership concluded the whirlwind regional tour late at night. The ultimate impact now rests on how swiftly Chattogram's local party apparatus can reconcile internal differences and field genuinely respected public representatives.