BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman accused forces of plotting fascist-style vote rigging in the upcoming general election, urging everyone to remain united and vigilant. He made the remarks today at his party’s first election rally in Sylhet.

Addressing a large crowd at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasah field, Rahman said conspirators “at home and abroad” remain active. “The people of this country have united to resist conspiracies before and will do so again,” he said. His speech began at 12:58 pm after he took the stage at about 12:30 pm.

The rally formally opened with a Quran recitation by Maulana Salik Ahmed, imam of Ambarkhana Mosque, at 10:50 am. The venue reached capacity by 11 am, with supporters later spilling onto nearby roads and footpaths.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived at the venue around 11 am. District BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury chaired the event. Central and local party leaders addressed the gathering from midday.

Earlier, Rahman met university and college students at the Grand Sylhet Hotel near Osmani International Airport. He was greeted by thousands of supporters at Chawhatta intersection on his way to the rally venue.

Candidates from 11 Sylhet and Sunamganj constituencies attended the morning gathering. Family members of those killed in the July Uprising were also seen near the stage.