Dhaka, Jan. 22 -- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has solicited votes for his party's "Sheaf of Peddy" symbol during his visit to his in-laws' house in Sylhet.

The party chief said, "Just as Dr Zubaida [Rahman] is your child, so am I. What I want is for the paddy sheaf to win this constituency on the 12th. I ask you for your word on this."

He made the remark around 1am on Thursday during a visit to his in-laws' residence in the Biraimpur area of Sylhet's Dakshin Surma.

Tarique had reached Sylhet around 8pm on Wednesday and paid homage to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal and Hazrat Shah Paran. Afterwards, he spoke in the presence of thousands of people at his in-laws' house.

Seeking the blessings of local elders and residents, the BNP chair...