Ahead of 13th National Parliamentary PollTarique apologises for past mistakes, appeals support from countrymen

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed regret for past mistakes and sought the support from countrymen in the parliamentary elections.

He made the appeal in a televised address to the nation at around 7:15pm on Monday. His speech was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026.

“Since returning from abroad, I have tried to reach out to you and have felt your affection and loyalty toward the BNP. February 12 will be the day to show your support once again,” he said in a speech broadcast on Bangladesh Television (BTV).

Tarique said he “might have committed mistakes” while his party was elected to power more than once in the past. He said the mistakes were “not intentional”.

He offered his sincere apologies for the mistakes and promised to learn from them to apply his experience in building a safe Bangladesh for all. “

Tarique said he needed the support for implementing the plans he has for the country and the people.

Justice, democracy true honour to martyrs’ sacrifice

In his speech, Tarique also said that the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in various mass movements throughout Bangladesh’s history must never be allowed to go in vain, stressing that the establishment of a justice-based and democratic state is the only true way to honour the martyrs.

Referring to key moments in the country’s history, Tarique said that from the 1971 Liberation War to the anti-hegemony movement of 7 November 1975, the mass uprising against autocracy in 1990, the Shapla Chattar killings and most recently the 2024 struggle to protect independence, countless people have sacrificed their lives for the nation.

He noted that the loss of a single life brings an end to the dreams, hopes, and possibilities of an entire family, adding that no compensation can ever fully make up for such loss.

“Our responsibility, as those who are still alive, is to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyrs,” he said.

Curb corruption, establish rule of law and ensure accountability

BNP Supremo emphasised that building a just, humane and accountable democratic state would be the highest form of respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the country and its people.

Tarique also promises to make the next government accountable to people if voted to power.

“The BNP government will be as strict as possible in controlling corruption. The rule of law will be reestablished in the country. This is my pledge to the people of the country; this is the pledge of the BNP,” he said.

"Without establishing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the dignity of the martyrs’ sacrifices cannot be upheld," he added.