By Admin 
Preparations for the 13th Parliament elections are in full swing in Bangladesh. The elections are to be held on February 12, 2026 and the campaign has ended today at 7:30 am. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tariq Rahman has adopted a new style in this election. Instead of just giving speeches in the traditional manner, he communicated directly with the people. He held 64 rallies in 19 days, where he called people on stage and listened to them, asked questions and answered them.
Tariq included family in election rallies
Tariq Rehman tried to show himself as a ‘family man’. His wife Zubaida Rehman and daughter Jaima Rehman also accompanied him in many rallies. Zubaida did not give a speech, but strengthened the family’s image by being present. Jama participated in programs related to women, youth and weaker sections. Sometimes the family was also seen traveling by rickshaw. Sometimes Tariq would call common people from the audience to the stage, and sometimes he would address them directly from the podium. He listened to the complaints of local people, promised solutions, asked questions and responded to the answers.
The journey of election rallies started from Sylhet
The election campaign started on 22 January 2026 with a rally in Sylhet city. Tariq called ATM Helal, resident of Shantiganj, Sunamganj, from the audience to the stage. Helal talked about the owner of heaven and hell. Tariq asked, ‘Who is the owner of heaven and hell?’ Helal said, ‘Allah.’ Tariq further asked whether anyone other than Allah could give this? The crowd said, ‘No.’ This method was like responding to the ongoing debate on religious issues. Tariq held rallies in places like Sirajganj, Dhaka (Bhashatek), Chittagong, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Bogura and Cumilla. He continued traveling by special bus and helicopter.
Tariq apologized to the public for his mistakes
In his last address on BTV on 10 February, Tariq expressed regret over the mistakes of BNP’s previous tenure. He said that if any unintentional mistake is made then he apologizes wholeheartedly. Now we will learn from the past and create a secure future for the next generation. He said that there is no benefit in merely pointing out the shortcomings of the opponents, but one should work in the interest of the public. Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called it ‘new politics’. He said that calling people on stage, listening to their problems and promising solutions is direct contact. Dhaka University professor SM Shamim Raza said that interactive campaigning is a new dimension due to digital platforms and young voters.
Tariq jumped into politics after mother Jiya’s death
Tariq Rehman is 57 years old. He returned from Britain after 17 years on 20 December 2025 because his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had died. After this he decided to enter politics and now this is his first election. He is contesting from Dhaka-17 (part of Gulshan, Baridara, Banani, Cantonment) and Bogura-6. Communication experts say this strategy targets youth and first-time voters. There are total 12.77 crore voters in Bangladesh. BNP’s focus is on peace, law and order and tolerance. This campaigning can bring a new change in the electoral politics of Bangladesh.