BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged voters not to ‘destroy the country’ by casting ballots for those who had collaborated with the Pakistani force in 1971 and are now seeking to rule the country.

“Those who assisted the Pakistani army even at the last moment are asking for votes to govern the country. Do not ruin the nation by voting for them,” said Fakhrul, also the BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

He made the remarks during the election campaign at BD High School ground in Begunbari Union of Sadar upazila in the afternoon.

“We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because that year is our identity. Bangladesh was born due to Pakistan’s exploitation and repression. We fought Pakistan and achieved independence,” he said.

About the absence of ‘Boat’ symbol in the election race, the BNP leader said, “Earlier, there were ‘Boat’ and ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. This time there is no ‘boat’. The boat’s helmswoman, Sheikh Hasina, has left you behind and fled to India. She is staying in Delhi.”

He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid protests by students while party leaders and activists were left exposed.

“We do not want those who run away. We earned our right to vote through the blood of many students. For 15 years, we were denied freedom of expression. Those who wanted to vote were framed in cases and sent to jail,” he said.

Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul said fear often exists among Hindu community people regarding persecution, but there is no reason to be afraid.

Begum Khaleda Zia clearly said that there are no minorities here; everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh, he said.

He pledged that BNP would protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion, and would remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of women.

Speaking on agriculture, Fakhrul said the sector has not been properly developed and farmers are among the most vulnerable.

He said BNP planned to promote agriculture-based industrialisation if voted to power. “Passing BA alone is not enough. Take technical training. Plenty of jobs are waiting abroad,” he added.

Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and other party leaders and activists were present at the programme.