At an election campaign event in Goaldihi Union of Khansama upazila on Sunday night, BNP-nominated candidate for Dinajpur-4 (Khansama–Chirirbandar) constituency, Alhaj Akhtaruzzaman Mia, stated that party leader Tarique Rahman was compelled to go abroad due to prolonged persecution and for medical reasons. He described the move not as fleeing the country but as a form of ‘Hijrat’, meaning migration for safety and growth.

Mia argued that migration under oppression enhances knowledge and wisdom, asserting that Allah has sent Tarique Rahman back to Bangladesh with intellect and insight. He rejected claims by the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer that Rahman left the country after signing a bond, saying such accusations were false. Mia also criticized Jamaat leaders for allegedly infiltrating ruling party organizations instead of joining street movements.

He challenged opponents to produce evidence of their so-called ‘July fighters’, claiming that 450 BNP activists had embraced martyrdom during political struggles. Several local BNP leaders also addressed the gathering.