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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reminded voters that those campaigning with the "Weighing Scale" symbol opposed the independence of Bangladesh.
Speaking during a mass outreach programme on Saturday in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, Fakhrul recalled how people were forced to flee their homes during the Liberation War and how properties were looted at the time, bdnews24.com reports.
He is running from the Thakurgaon-1 seat with the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol in the election scheduled for Feb 12.
His rivals in the constituency include Delwar Hossain of Jamaat with the Weighing Scale symbol and Md Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan with the “Hand Fan” symbol.
He assured voters that a BNP government would ensure peace and security, particularly for the Hindu community, saying all citizens had equal rights regardless of religion and that the country belonged to everyone.
Fakhrul said BNP leaders and supporters had never left the country during difficult times and remained committed to protecting citizens’ rights.
Acknowledging concerns among Hindu voters about intimidation, he said the BNP had stood beside them in the past and would continue to do so if elected.
Urging voters to support the Sheaf of Paddy, Fakhrul called for strengthening forces that stand for independence, law and order, and public welfare initiatives, including family cards, agriculture cards and health cards.