Dhaka, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, expressed his contentment after casting his vote in the national elections, asserting his unwavering belief that his party will achieve victory, as reported by local news sources.

Tarique made his vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College Centre in Dhaka. After voting, he addressed the media, saying the citizens of Bangladesh have been anticipating this moment for more than a decade, according to the prominent Bangladeshi news agency UNB.

He voiced his hopes that voters would have the opportunity to cast their votes freely, thereby enabling the nation to commence a renewed democratic chapter.

Commenting on some disturbances reported from various regions the previous night, Tarique mentioned that the law enforcement's response was promising, with strict actions taken to manage the situation.

He called upon voters, along with party leaders and supporters, to remain vigilant at polling stations during the voting period to protect this democratic process.

“If the populace stays at the stations throughout the day and exercises their rights, Inshallah, any conspiracy can be thwarted,” Tarique was reported saying by UNB.

When questioned about his expectations for the election outcomes, the BNP leader expressed strong confidence in his party's chances, stating they are “100 percent optimistic” about winning.

He elaborated, saying, “I am hopeful. I firmly believe that if the citizens of Bangladesh come out and vote throughout the day, then Inshallah, any conspiracy can be overcome.”

When discussing BNP's priorities in the event of forming a government, Tarique highlighted restoring law and order as the top priority.

“We have previously stated that if we emerge victorious, our foremost focus will be on enhancing the country's law and order so that citizens feel safe. The general populace throughout the nation must feel secure. This will be our primary focus,” he commented.

Emphasizing the significance of gender inclusion, Tarique underlined the essential role of women in national development and governance.

“Women constitute half of Bangladesh's population. We cannot progress by leaving them behind. In our manifesto and commitments regarding women's empowerment and development, we have laid out our plans. If we manage to form the government, we will start addressing these concerns right away, Inshallah,” he stated.

He further expressed hope for the country's future, remarking, “We aspire to usher in a new democracy in Bangladesh, which has long been the hope of the populace.” He also expressed optimism for a stable and prosperous future achieved through collective effort.

Earlier, Tarique cast his vote from a ground-floor booth at the polling centre. This was his first time voting at the Gulshan Model High School and College Centre.

Previously, during the 2001 elections, he was registered as a voter at the Adamjee Cantonment Public School and College centre in Dhaka Cantonment.

Tarique Rahman is contesting the election under the BNP's traditional ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol from the Dhaka-17 constituency and is also running from the Bogura-6 constituency.

His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman also voted at the same polling centre, with this election marking Zaima's debut as a voter.

Tarique Rahman is the son of former Bangladeshi President Gen. Ziaur Rahman, who came to power after a series of coups and later founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party before becoming president in 1977.

He is also the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who led Bangladesh during two separate terms from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006.

Following Khaleda Zia's passing in December last year, Tarique took over the leadership of the BNP and is now guiding the party through this critical national election.