SAJJAD HOSSAIN from Mymensingh

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, hinting at Jamaat, asked why its two leaders stayed in the BNP-led alliance government if that government was corrupt, as being claimed by the party now.

At an election rally in Mymensingh city yesterday, he said the party is criticising BNP using the same language once used by a fascist, who later fled the country.

“They are speaking against BNP in the same way the fascist used to speak. It too is now claiming that the BNP was the champion of corruption,” the party chief told the gathering at the Circuit House ground.

“So, my question is, from 2001 to 2006, didn’t they also have two members in the BNP-led government? They did. So, if the BNP was really that bad, why didn’t the two step down?”

Tarique said, “They did not resign ... because they knew very well that Khaleda Zia was cracking down on corruption with a firm hand.”

He added that international statistics show Bangladesh began to diminish the level of corruption during Khaleda’s tenure, starting in 2001.

“...The two members stayed in the government from the first day to the last day ... proving that how big a lie they are now telling.”

From 2001-2006, Jamaat then chief Motiur Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid served as ministers in the BNP-led four-party alliance government.

Tarique’s Mymensingh trip was his first in 22 years. He reached the city by road from Dhaka around 3:30pm. His motorcade faced heavy congestion as security personnel struggled to clear the crowd and escort the vehicles to the rally venue.

His wife, Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him on the stage.

After making his way through the crowd, Tarique went to the stage at 4:03pm, where he met families of freedom fighters and those killed or injured during the July uprising.

Calling on party leaders and activists to remain vigilant on election day, Tarique asked them to perform Tahajjud prayers, offer Fajr prayers in front of polling centres, and then cast their votes.

“Why did I say this? It has been many years since we got the chance to vote, hasn’t it? Because we did not get the chance to vote before, many people took away our voting rights in different ways. This time, we must stay alert so that no one can steal our votes.”

A large number of activists gathered to catch a glimpse of him, while some climbed nearby trees to watch and listen to his speech.

Since the morning, party leaders and activists started arriving at the venue from Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrakona, Mymensingh, In reply,

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